China’s influence in the South Pacific has increased considerably in recent years. It has constantly been further extending its diplomatic ties and broadening its policy of development cooperation. Is a new world power emerging here which could one day lay claim to a leadership role at the global level too? The present report examines the reasons for China’s involvement in the South Pacific, and tests the validity of the postulated basic principle of non-interference as well as the freedom from conditions associated with Chinese development cooperation. In addition, the report looks at the question of whether in the foreseeable future China could become a threat to the security architecture of the South Pacific region.