Australia and Fiji signed a landmark defense alliance on July 6, strengthening bilateral security cooperation amid growing concerns over China’s expanding influence in the South Pacific. Under the agreement, known as the “Ocean of Peace Alliance,” each country commits to assisting the other in the event of an armed attack.
The pact marks Fiji’s first formal defense alliance and makes it Australia’s fourth treaty ally, alongside the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The agreement also includes a provision allowing other Pacific Island nations to join in the future, reflecting Canberra’s broader effort to strengthen regional security partnerships.
The agreement comes as China continues to expand its economic and security presence across the Pacific. Beijing’s 2022 security pact with the Solomon Islands raised concerns among Australia and its partners that China could eventually establish a permanent military presence in the region.
Just days before signing the Fiji pact, Australia concluded a separate security agreement with Vanuatu, designating Canberra as the country’s preferred security and policing partner.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, July 6, 2026
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260706-9318425