Penny Wong says Australia’s deepening defence ties with the Pacific – including the nation’s fourth-only alliance recently signed with Fiji – “is all about more security for Australia” and its people after China launched a test missile in the Pacific only hours after the deal with Suva was signed.

Australia and Fiji strike a new defence alliance in a major development that could reshape the Pacific's strategic landscape.

Anthony Albanese is expected to sign a major new alliance after touching down in Fiji, as the “permanent contest” with China looms.