With Quad nations having affirmed their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, Canberra has pledged 18 million Australian dollars to support laying undersea cables for Pacific island nations, including Palau.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in Tokyo on Monday the fund will be provided over the next four years.

She said her country will launch a Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre to support the initiative, amid China's growing influence in the region.

Wong said: "Countries face coercive trade measures, unsustainable lending, political interference and disinformation. From building a cybersecurity capacity to combating illegal fishing, the partners are expanding cooperation and using our comparative advantages for good."

Canberra and its allies are increasingly concerned that with Chinese companies installing undersea cable networks in the region, Beijing could steal or shut down information.