Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she agrees China is increasing its influence in the Pacific.
After a speech to the Foreign Correspondents' Association in Sydney Ms Gillard was asked if Australia's influence was waning as China steps up its presence in places like Fiji.
She says as China's weight and power continues to rise, it will have stronger and more diverse relationships around the world, including in the Pacific.
Ms Gillard says Australia wants to see more countries working in aid and development in the Pacific, but believes there needs to be more accountability.
