(Reuters) – China Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with 10 Pacific Island nation counterparts in Fiji Monday. This is midway during a diplomatic trip of the region, where China’s desire to expand security ties has raised concerns among U.S. allies.

The meeting is hosted by Wang who previously met with Frank Bainimarama, Fiji’s Prime Minster.

China had sent a draft communique along with a five year action plan to all the countries invited, which included Samoa (Tonga), Kiribati and Kiribati), before the meeting. It indicated that China wanted a comprehensive regional security and trade agreement.

A letter that was leaked last week shows that at least one of the nations invited to oppose the draft communique. Federated States of Micronesia is the most likely.

The COVID pandemic has forced the closure of borders in the region. Most foreign ministers attend the Fiji meeting through video link. Many Pacific countries have a foreign minister who is also the prime Minister.

Reuters was told by a representative of one Pacific nation that several invited countries want to delay or amend the communique.

Statements from China and China reveal that some Pacific islands recently signed on to certain security components China wants in the regional accord.

Samoa reached an agreement for the establishment of a fingerprint lab to supplement a China-funded training academy.

New Zealand, Australia and Japan expressed concern over a security agreement signed by Solomon Islands and China last month. It said that it had regional consequences, could result in a Chinese military presence closer to Australia and could be used to protect the United States.

To counter Beijing’s pressure, the new Australian government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the Pacific Islands a priority in its foreign policy. It announced a defense training school and support for maritime security.

Wang, who condemned the interference in the agreement and stated that the Solomon Islands’ relationship to China is a good example for all Pacific island countries last week, was seen speaking Honiara.