PACIFIC: Australia, Fiji sign defense alliance pact to counter China

The pact is to bolster both security and economic ties between the two nations – Image: Leon Lord/AFP

Pacific: Fiji, which had grown closer to Beijing under its former leadership, will now consult Canberra on security developments.

Australia signed a new economic and defense alliance with Fiji on Monday, elevating ties between the two nations as Canberra seeks to check China’s influence in region.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the pact with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, as he visited the capital of the South Pacific island, Suva.

“The Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces mutual defense 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 ​Rabuka.

“An attack on Fiji from ​an outside force ‌would trigger Australia’s full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty,” Albanese said.

“The Pacific is home. And that’s why this visit matters for Australians. Tackling shared challenges. Creating new opportunities. Together,” Albanese said earlier in a post on X, which included pictures from his visit.

Pacific pact: What does the alliance entail?

Under the Ocean of Peace Alliance pact, Fiji and Australia have agreed to consult each other over any “security-related development” which may threaten their sovereignty.

“The purpose of this treaty is to recognize and affirm the commitment between the parties to protect their sovereignty, secure their mutual defense and security interests and contribute to the stability and security of the Pacific,” the deal reads.

Australia’s agreement with Fiji adds to its defense pacts with the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea – Image: Mick Tsikas/REUTERS

Pacific: Fiji joins the fold

Australia already has defense treaties with the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Fiji, which grew closer to Beijing under its former prime minister Frank Bainimarama, is the latest to join the fold. This is also the nation’s first such alliance.

In 2022, China signed a secretive security alliance with the Solomon Islands, stoking fears thatit could one day create a permanent military presence in the region.

Some feared that Fiji may be susceptible to China’s influence too.

However, Beijing’s hold on the island waned after Rabuka came into power in 2022.

In 2025, the leader dismissed suggestions that the island may one day host a permanent Chinese military presence.

“If they want to come, who would welcome them? Not Fiji. And I think that China understands that well,” he said at the time.

China tests intercontinental ballistic missile after pact signing

Beijing test fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a dummy warhead, from a submarine in the South Pacific region, Chinese state media Xinhua reported on Monday, calling it a “routine arrangement.”

Earlier, Australian newspapers the Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian, reported that Chinese officials had briefed regional governments including Australia of the upcoming intercontinental missile test.

Three Chinese satellite-tracking vessels are currently positioned throughout the Pacific, according to data made available by New Zealand’s ship tracking company Starboard Maritime. Two of the vessels are currently near the Federated States of Micronesia and one is in harbor at Suva.

“This test has been ⁠planned well in ​advance,” said Starboard analyst Mark Douglas. “That said, the
notification landing the day after Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance is interesting, to say the least.”

China last tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in 2024. 

DW.com/NAN 06-07-26

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