Australia and Fiji seal a new mutual defense pact in a push to counter China in the Pacific
Summary
Australia and Fiji have signed a new defense agreement called the Ocean of Peace Alliance, making it Fiji’s first mutual defense treaty. The two countries also agreed on an economic deal involving over 1 billion Australian dollars in investment, aiming to strengthen security and economic ties in the Pacific region amid concerns about China’s growing influence.Key Facts
- Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defense treaty, on July 6, 2026.
- Fiji’s Prime Minister is Sitiveni Rabuka; Australia’s Prime Minister is Anthony Albanese.
- The treaty commits both countries to help each other in times of need.
- Australia will invest more than 1 billion Australian dollars ($693 million) in Fiji over ten years through the Vuvale Union economic treaty.
- This is Australia’s fourth mutual defense treaty, following agreements with the U.S., New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- The treaty aims to counter China’s influence in the South Pacific after China signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands in 2022.
- Fiji’s Prime Minister said the agreement does not threaten either country’s relationship with China.
- Albanese plans to visit the Solomon Islands to discuss their security treaty with China and to meet with leaders from Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
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