Jul 6, 2026 – 1.12pmAustralia has signed a historic defence alliance alongside a major new treaty with Fiji, elevating relations with the strategic Pacific nation to the highest possible level at a time of rising regional competition with China.The “Ocean of Peace” alliance makes similar commitments to a landmark treaty with Papua New Guinea, introducing a mutual defence obligation that commits the two nations to come to each other’s aid at times of greatest need.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles