Australia & Fiji sign mutual defence agreement as China expands influence in Indo-Pacific

Australia and Fiji on Monday signed a mutual defence agreement that will require the two countries to come to each other’s aid in the event of an attack.

As China has sought to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific, Australia has doubled down on its security and economic partnerships with island nations in the region. The agreement with Fiji is the second such deal it has signed recently, following a similar agreement with Papua New Guinea last year.

The alliance is formally known as the 'Ocean of Peace Alliance'. The two countries also signed an economic and security cooperation agreement.

Under the Australia-Fiji agreement, the two countries will be required to “act to meet the common danger” if either is attacked and to consult each other on security threats.

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The Ocean of Peace Alliance requires both countries to consult on security threats, similar to the defence treaty Australia signed with Papua New Guinea last year.

Australia also has similar arrangements in place with the United States and New Zealand. Last week, it signed a security agreement with Vanuatu, making Australia the country’s preferred security and policing partner.

Fiji to have Australia’s full support: Albanese

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured Fiji that Australia would extend “full support” to the country in the event of an attack.

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

The agreement comes amid a growing Chinese presence in the region, with Australia saying it is in a “permanent state of contest” with China and seeking to curb its influence through security and defence agreements with island nations.

Australia and Fiji also signed the 'Vuvale Union' agreement, expanding economic and security cooperation between the two countries. Albanese promised A$1 billion ($692.7 million) in Australian investment in Fiji over the next decade.

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