China's offering reassurances about its step-by-step move into the Pacific.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has failed to convince Pacific countries to sign up to a new wide-ranging trade and security pact, but has struck an agreement on areas of cooperation.

He's also urging us not to be too "anxious" or "nervous" about China's plans to play a greater role in our region.

Democracy Project international analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby China is starting a long-term push for influence in the Pacific.

He says there's a growing polarisation between the east and west that will only continue to grow.

China has reached some wins, signing new economic development agreements with Fiji.

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