Many in Fiji see benefits in deal with China

For Fijians, being close to China means more money but, at the same time, concerns about political tension with other countries.

"I think Chinese is good coming in Fiji," said another Fijian, Miliane Rokolita. "They bring us bigger houses. They bring money in Fiji. They're good people."

The welcoming attitude by many in Fiji and elsewhere in the South Pacific comes as China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi sweeps through on an island-hopping tour amid growing international concerns about Beijing's military and financial ambitions in the region.

On Monday, Wang hosts a key meeting in Fiji with foreign ministers from 10 Pacific nations he hopes will endorse a sweeping new agreement covering everything from security to fisheries.

But some nations are pushing back. David Panuelo, president of the Federated States of Micronesia, has told other leaders he won't endorse the plan, warning them in a letter that it would needlessly heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability.