Australia and Fiji have formalized a new security and economic partnership aimed at deepening defense coordination and reinforcing stability in the Pacific, a move widely seen as part of broader efforts to balance growing Chinese influence in the region.
The agreement, called the “Ocean of Peace Alliance,” was signed in Suva by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a high-level visit to the South Pacific nation.
Albanese said the pact establishes an unusually strong level of commitment between the two countries, including provisions linked to mutual defense obligations.
“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.
He added that in the event of external aggression, Australia would be bound to support Fiji’s sovereignty, describing the arrangement as a guarantee of protection in case of attack from outside forces.
