Pacific nations can better rebuff China's advances if working collectively, Jacinda Ardern says.
The Prime Minister is visiting Australia and told Channel Nine she viewed the Pacific nations as family.
She said China's presence in the region was not new, but the giant country's recent propositions showed island nations should stick together to advance regional interests.
"There is power in the collective. And in fact, we've in recent times asked for big conversations, like for instance, security arrangements, deal with us as a region ... and as a Pacific voice," Ardern told the Today show.