LABOR defence spokesman Richard Marles says the United States is baffled by our response to China.

He warned that Australia offers “at best a holding-pattern policy in the Pacific” with no vision for standing up to the rising superpower.

Speaking to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Mr Marles said evidence of China’s growing influence in the South Pacific region was a consequence of “our own behaviour”, according to The Australian.

“We have not articulated a ­vision for the region, a strategy for ensuring its security or assisting in its development, and in the process the US looks at us with bemusement,” Mr Marles said.

“While aid is important, it is better access to our economy and a more imaginative way of co-operating on government service delivery, including defence, which will change development realities in the Pacific.’’

He compared us unfavourably with the US, suggesting we’ve paled in comparison over the issue of displaying leadership.

“As America effectively offers its strategic weight in the service of our leadership, in return

we offer at best a holding-pattern policy in the Pacific,’’ he said.

Addressing Fairfax Media reports last month that China was considering creating a military outpost in Vanuatu, less than 2000km from the Australian border, he said the “very idea of it must be a wake-up call for Australia”.

“If we feel there is something wrong with this picture — a possible strategic partnership between Vanuatu and China — the answer lies in our own behaviour,” he said.

“We need to understand that our leadership in the Pacific is a demonstration that we mean to take our place in the world. It is at the heart of our being taken seriously, not only by China but by all nations.”

Both China and Vanuatu have denied the reports.

Mr Marles’ warning comes amid rising tensions between Australia and China over the Turnbull government’s tough crackdown on foreign influence.

Last month, it was reported that China had been deferring a range of visits in order to take a political stand against Australia.

The state-run Global Times newspaper has described Australia’s behaviour in recent years as “baffling” and “repugnant”, accusing us of being an “anti-China pioneer in the last two years” and warning that Canberra “cannot afford worsening ties with China”.

But while numerous experts have warned the deterioration of our relationship is “damaging Australia’s interests”, Mr Turnbull restated that Canberra would not back down from the foreign donation laws.

“We are taking every step that we can, with our foreign interference legislation, to ensure that Australians, and Australians only, are the ones who influence Australian political processes.”