Australia and Fiji strike new defence alliance
The pact elevates Fiji to a treaty ally and requires both countries to consult and respond if either faces armed attack, officials said.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Fiji on Sunday evening ahead of signing the "Vuvale Union" treaty with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday, aiming to counter China's regional influence.
- This diplomatic trip reflects the government's "permanent contest" with China for Pacific influence, as Canberra has recently secured similar security pacts with Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru, and Papua New Guinea.
- Drawing on the $500 million Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu signed last week, Australia aims to limit foreign military base access and stabilize the region against external encroachment.
- Albanese will head to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday to attend Independence Day celebrations and discuss a new treaty with Prime Minister Matthew Wale, before hosting Papua New Guinea and Tonga leaders in Brisbane on Wednesday.
- Later in the week, Albanese travels to Melbourne to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the pair will finalize defense cooperation and uranium export arrangements amid domestic controversy.
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Australia and Fiji seal defence pact in push to counter China
The signing of the defence treaty comes on the same day that Chinese state media reported a submarine had test-launched a long-range ballistic missile in the South Pacific, a move criticised by Australia.
Australia signs $1bn defence pact with Fiji in strategic push against China
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Australia, Fiji sign defense pact to counter China in Pacific
Fiji, which had grown closer to Beijing under its former leadership, will now consult Canberra on security developments. Source link : https://www.dw.com/en/australia-fiji-sign-defense-pact-to-counter-china-in-pacific/a-77842223?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf Author : Publish date : 2026-07-06 03:11:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
Australia and Fiji seal a new mutual defense pact in a push to counter China in the Pacific
Australia and Fiji have signed a new bilateral defense alliance in a second major diplomatic win within a year for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against Chinese influence in the South Pacific.
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