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Australia signs major defense alliance with Fiji as China plans nuclear missile test in Pacific

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defense treaty committing both nations to aid each other if attacked.
  • The alliance marks Fiji's first formal defense pact and comes as China increases its influence in the Pacific.
  • Australia also signed the Vuvale Union with Fiji, expanding economic and security cooperation with A$1 billion in Australian investment over the next decade.

Australia and Fiji solidified their security ties with the signing of the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a landmark mutual defense treaty. The agreement commits both nations to come to each other's aid if attacked by an outside force, marking Fiji's first-ever alliance and Australia's fourth formal pact with a Pacific nation.

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.

— Anthony AlbaneseAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking at a joint news conference with his Fijian counterpart.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the significance of the alliance, stating, "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." He assured that "an attack on Fiji from an outside force would trigger Australia's full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty."

The defense pact arrives as China actively expands its economic and security presence in the Pacific. Australia views the region as a "permanent state of contest" with China and has been pursuing security and defense agreements with Pacific nations to counter Beijing's influence. This follows Australia's recent security agreement with Vanuatu and a similar defense treaty signed with Papua New Guinea last year.

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

— Anthony AlbaneseAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking at a joint news conference with his Fijian counterpart.

Beyond defense, Australia and Fiji also signed the Vuvale Union, enhancing economic and security cooperation. This initiative will be supported by A$1 billion in Australian investment over the next decade. Prime Minister Albanese described the combined treaties as "one of the most significant endeavors Australia has ever undertaken in our history with any country." New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon indicated interest in joining the agreement.

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

— Anthony AlbaneseAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking about the new agreements.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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