Australia and Fiji signed a landmark defence alliance on Monday, committing both countries to come to each other’s aid in the event of an external attack.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance marks Fiji’s first-ever formal defence alliance, while making Fiji only Australia’s fourth treaty ally after the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking alongside his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, described the agreement as a historic step in bilateral relations.
“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,” Albanese said.
He added that any attack on Fiji by an outside force would trigger Australia’s full support in defending Fiji and protecting its sovereignty.
The agreement comes as China continues to expand its economic influence and strengthen security ties across the Pacific region. It also follows Australia’s recent security pact with Vanuatu, under which Canberra remains the island nation’s preferred security and policing partner.
In addition to the defence pact, Australia and Fiji also signed the Vuvale Union, a separate agreement aimed at deepening economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
Albanese described the two agreements as one of the most significant partnerships Australia has ever established with another nation, saying they would further strengthen regional security and long-term cooperation.
