Australia and Fiji sign landmark defence pact

Australia and Fiji signed a landmark defence alliance on Monday, committing each country to come to the other's aid if either is attacked. The Ocean of Peace Alliance marks Fiji's first-ever alliance. 

The Pacific nation will become Australia's fourth formal ally, after the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The defence pact comes as China expands its economic influence and deepens security ties in the Pacific. It also follows Australia's recent security agreement with Vanuatu, under which Canberra will remain the country's preferred security and policing partner.

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the agreements marked "a very significant elevation" of bilateral ties into a new era of strategic partnership.

Australia and Fiji also signed the Vuvale Union, expanding economic and security cooperation between the two countries. It would be backed by A$1 billion ($692.7 million) in Australian investment over the next decade, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"The Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces mutual defence obligations, and there's no higher obligation than to come to each other's aid at a time of need," Albanese said in a joint news conference with his counterpart Rabuka in the Fijian capital Suva.

"An attack on Fiji from an outside force would trigger Australia's full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty," Albanese added.

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Rabuka said he did not expect China to object to the agreements, despite Beijing's previous criticism of Australian security deals in the Pacific.

"It does not threaten Fiji's relationship with China nor Australia's relationship with China," Rabuka said.

"We have made it very clear in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies."

The treaty text said other Pacific countries could be invited to join if they can "further the purposes and principles" of the treaty and contribute to the security of the Pacific.

New Zealand would be interested in joining the agreement, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Monday.

Albanese will visit the Solomon Islands on Tuesday to meet his counterpart Matthew Wale, where he is expected to continue discussions on a comprehensive strategic treaty.

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Australia Fiji defence Anthony Albanese Pacific China Security Suva