BEIJING: Fiji has become a geopolitical ''football'' on Australia's doorstep, experts say, as China strengthens support for the island nation's military government.

Australia last night urged China to work ''constructively'' with Fiji's neighbours following an unprecedented four-day visit by China's second-ranked leader, in which he pointedly defended the military government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Favoured by China ... Frank Bainimarama, the leader of Fiji's military government. Credit:AP

The leader, Wu Bangguo, reportedly denounced what he called the bullying of strong countries over small or weak ones, according to a report by Radio New Zealand International, in what the report said was a clear swipe at Australia and New Zealand.

The report said Mr Wu opposed Fiji's exclusion from the main regional body, the Pacific Islands Forum - a policy supported by Australia and New Zealand.