President Xi Jinping arrived in Fiji today as he seeks to broaden Chinas economic and strategic clout in the South Pacific, building on trade ties that flourished after then-army chief Frank Bainimarama staged a coup almost eight years ago.

The Fiji trip -- the first state visit by a Chinese leader -- bookends Xis 11th foreign sojourn since he became president in March 2013, doling out billions of dollars to countries from Tanzania to Costa Rica and Sri Lanka. China seized the advantage when Fijis ties with neighbor Australia cooled after the putsch in December 2006, and total trade has since quadrupled.

It also continues Xis message of soft power as he balances an expanding military and claims to territory in the western Pacific against a growing economic interdependence. As host this year of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Xi sought to cast China as both a partner and player in the region.

For Xi, he has presided over a diversification of Chinas diplomatic links, a more proactive foreign policy and the creation of deeper links beyond the Asian region, said Kerry Brown, director of the University of Sydneys China Studies Centre. Whether there is any real depth in these relationships beyond self interest it is hard to say. But at least China is less lonely now than it was a few years ago.

Two men fish as Fiji gets ready for the elections in Suva, the capital of Fiji, on Sept. 15, 2014. China has provided about $330 million in aid to Fiji since 2006, Lowy Institute calculations show. Close

Two men fish as Fiji gets ready for the elections in Suva, the capital of Fiji, on... Read More

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Two men fish as Fiji gets ready for the elections in Suva, the capital of Fiji, on Sept. 15, 2014. China has provided about $330 million in aid to Fiji since 2006, Lowy Institute calculations show.

Xis visit follows that of the leader of another rising Asian power, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who pledged $5 million to promote small business in Fiji and a $70 million line of credit for a power plant.

We have shared interests in peace and cooperation in our inter-linked ocean regions, Modi told reporters after meeting Bainimarama Nov. 19. We are also aware that the relationship has at times been adrift, and that our cooperation should be much stronger than it is.

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