Australia, Fiji sign mutual defence pact to boost Pacific security

AI Summary

Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace mutual defence pact to strengthen Pacific security and counter China's influence in the region. This alliance binds the two nations to mutual defence commitments, marking Fiji as a key treaty ally of Australia.

Australia signed a new defence alliance with Fiji on Monday, bolstering ties with its South Pacific island neighbour as it seeks to outmanoeuvre China in the region. The Ocean of Peace alliance elevates Fiji to one of Australia’s few treaty allies and binds each nation to come to the other’s “mutual defence”. China sent waves through the region in 2022 when it signed a secretive security pact with the Solomon Islands, stoking fears it could one day lead to a permanent military...