Australia and Fiji strike new defense alliance

Australia and Fiji have formalized a landmark defense alliance, the "Ocean of Peace Alliance," committing both nations to mutual defense obligations should either be attacked. The agreement was signed on Monday in Suva, Fiji's capital.

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The Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces mutual defence obligations, and there's no higher obligation than to come to each other's aid at a time of need.

This alliance marks Fiji's first-ever formal alliance and positions the Pacific nation as only Australia's fourth formal ally, joining the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the alliance signifies "no higher obligation than to come to each other's aid at a time of need" and that "an attack on Fiji from an outside force would trigger Australia's full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty."

The pact arrives as China continues to expand its economic influence and security ties within the Pacific region. This development follows closely after Australia signed a security agreement with Vanuatu, designating Australia as the country's preferred security and policing partner.

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An attack on Fiji from an outside force would trigger Australia's full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty.

In addition to the defense alliance, Australia and Fiji also signed the Vuvale Union, which aims to expand economic and security cooperation between the two nations. Albanese described the combined treaties as "one of the most significant endeavors Australia has ever undertaken in our history with any country."

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Combined, these treaties represent one of the most significant endeavours Australia has ever undertaken in our history with any country.