The Fijian prime minister is pushing for a Pacific "peace zone" as he calls for the region to refrain from any actions that could undermine security in the region.

Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed his country's wish to not be pulled into any conflict or competition between China and the United States, using a speech to an Australian think tank to plead for peace.

"Why are we being drawn either to the left or to the right by two powers who were friends in the Second World War?" he said in his Lowy Institute address.

"Hopefully whatever they do will not draw us as allies to them and enemies to the others and we can maintain cordial, warm relationships with both."

His Pacific peace plan would include a commitment to refrain from action "that may jeopardise regional order and stability" and to maintain nations' sovereignty.

It would also put an emphasis on diplomacy and consensus decisions on regional issues through the Pacific Island Forum.

Mr Rabuka also floated the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Papua New Guinea to help curb tribal violence.

PIF leaders will meet in the Cook Islands in November where Mr Rabuka will officially propose the motion.

The Fijian leader is in Australia and will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday.

Mr Rabuka said he would rather Fiji "go back to its traditional and comfortable relationships of the past" after pledging closer ties with Australia and an intention to scrap a policing agreement with China.

He said his nation would not take any aid that came with strings attached.

"Unfortunately, some aid donors expect us to be compliant, to submit to their demands, so we have to be very, very careful, even at the risk of being (asked) why should you be looking a gift horse in the mouth," he said.

"Sometimes we'll do that to make sure that we're still in control of our own situation."

The Australian and Fijian leaders will update a partnership that sets out shared priorities in a bid to strengthen peace in the Pacific.

Dominic Giannini - AAP