WELLINGTON: New Zealand is considering joining a defense alliance signed by Australia and Fiji, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Thursday. The Ocean of Peace Alliance elevated Fiji to one of Australia’s few treaty allies and binds each nation to come to the other’s “mutual defense.” The pact came as Canberra attempts to outmaneuver China in the South Pacific, and was signed Monday hours before Beijing’s test of a long-range nuclear-capable missile that landed in the Pacific Ocean. Australia and Fiji said other Pacific countries with militaries can join the alliance.

Australia and Fiji have signed a new bilateral defense alliance in a second major diplomatic win within a year for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against Chinese…

Australia and Fiji have signed a new bilateral defense alliance in a second major diplomatic win within a year for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against Chinese…

New Zealand may join a new defence alliance between Australia and Fiji. This treaty, the Ocean of Peace Alliance, was signed earlier this week. The agreement allows other Pacific…