By AFP and Focus | 2026-07-07

SUVA, Fiji -- Australia and Fiji have forged a landmark defense treaty, elevating Fiji to one of Australia's few treaty allies as Canberra expands security partnerships across the Pacific amid strategic competition with China.

During a visit to Suva, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the Ocean of Peace Pact with his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, on July 6. The agreement commits both countries to mutual defense and closer cooperation on regional security.

The two leaders signed a second comprehensive treaty covering climate action, economic cooperation and other areas.

"When it comes to security issues, the Pacific family need to look after our own security," Albanese said.

"The significance of these agreements cannot be underestimated."

Photos released by the Australian government showed Albanese drinking Fiji's traditional kava beverage during a welcome ceremony before the signing.

Mutual defense

The Ocean of Peace Pact makes Fiji Australia's fourth treaty ally after the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Under the agreement, the two countries will consult each other over any security-related development that threatens either nation's sovereignty.

Rabuka tried to quell concerns that China could see the treaty as a snub.

"I do not expect China to have any severe pushback," he told reporters.

"It does not threaten Fiji's relationship with China."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on July 6 that it hoped the pact would not harm Beijing's interests.

"It is hoped that relevant countries will genuinely respect the independence and sovereignty of the island nations, focus on their sustainable economic and social development and refrain from targeting third parties or harming their interests," spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters.

Regional strategy

Fiji strengthened ties with China under former prime minister Frank Bainimarama, who turned to Beijing for economic support after seizing power in a 2006 coup that triggered international sanctions.

China's influence has waned since Rabuka took office in 2022 and moved to strengthen Fiji's traditional partnerships with Australia and New Zealand.

In 2025, Rabuka rejected suggestions that Fiji or other South Pacific nations could one day host a permanent Chinese military base.

"If they want to come, who would welcome them? Not Fiji," he said at the time.

"And I think that China understands that well."

The treaty between Fiji and Australia includes a provision allowing other Pacific nations to join in the future.

Pacific affairs analyst Tess Newton Cain said the arrangement appeared aimed at countries with standing militaries, such as Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

"It's significant because it's very much focused on the countries that have military capacity," she said.

"It provides a very clear point of entry to have further security conversations down the track."

Broader engagement

Besides going to Fiji, Albanese visited the Solomon Islands as part of a Pacific tour from July 5 to 7, as well as holding conferring separately with leaders from Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

Australia's agreement with Fiji mirrors the sweeping Pukpuk Treaty with Papua New Guinea, which is due to take effect July 8.

Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Nauru have in recent years switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, highlighting the growth of Beijing's influence in the Pacific.

China warned Australia in June against playing "geopolitical games" after Canberra signed a security and economic agreement with Vanuatu that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific island nation.

Before Albanese departed for the Pacific, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would continue to step up engagement with regional partners.

"In Fiji and Solomon Islands, we will continue strengthening our relationships by listening, respecting and acting on Pacific priorities in the Pacific way," she said in Canberra.

"A stronger, safer and sovereign Pacific is good for Australia and for our region."