TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Australia 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 region.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the pact with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, as he visited the capital of the South Pacific island, Suva.
"The alliance reinforces Australia and Fiji's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and secure region," Australia's foreign affairs department said.
"The Pacific is home. And that's why this visit matters for Australians. Tackling shared challenges. Creating new opportunities. Together," Albanese said in a post on X, which included pictures from his visit.
What does the alliance entail?
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 purpose of this treaty 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," the deal reads.
Fiji joins the fold
Australia already has defense treaties with the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Fiji, which grew closer to Beijing under its 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 thatit could one day create a permanent military presence in the region.
Some feared that Fiji may be susceptible to China's influence too.
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.
"If they want to come, who would welcome them? Not Fiji. And I think that China understands that well," he said at the time.
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