Fiji says no to China military base as Pacific nations navigate superpower rivalry

The islands were trying to cope with a big, powerful China seeking to spread its influence, Rabuka told the National Press Club in the Australian capital, adding that Beijing understood he would lobby other Pacific leaders against such a base.

"Pacific leaders in all their recent discussions have tried to go for policies that are friendly to all and enemies to none, and it is a fairly tough course to steer, but it is possible," he added.

The Pacific would feel the impact of any conflict over the Taiwan Strait between major powers, a possibility already being planned for by China and other nations, he said.