Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a new economic and defense alliance with Fiji on Monday, elevating ties between the two nations as Canberra seeks to check China's influence in the region. The pact was signed with Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka during Albanese's visit to Suva, the capital of the South Pacific island nation.

Australia's foreign affairs department said the alliance "reinforces Australia and Fiji's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and secure region." Albanese posted on X: "The Pacific is home. And that's why this visit matters for Australians. Tackling shared challenges. Creating new opportunities. Together."

Under the newly signed pact, Fiji and Australia have agreed to consult each other over any "security-related development" which may threaten their sovereignty. The deal states its purpose is "to recognize and affirm the commitment between the parties to protect their sovereignty, secure their mutual defense and security interests and contribute to the stability and security of the Pacific."

Australia already has defense treaties with the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Fiji, which grew closer to Beijing under former prime minister Frank Bainimarama, is the latest to join the fold. In 2022, China signed a secretive security alliance with the Solomon Islands, stoking fears that it could one day create a permanent military presence in the region.

However, Beijing's hold on the island waned after Rabuka came into power in 2022. In 2025, the leader dismissed suggestions that the island may one day host a permanent Chinese military presence, saying: "If they want to come, who would welcome them? Not Fiji. And I think that China understands that well."

Source: www.dw.com