Australia and Fiji formalize mutual defense pact

Australia and Fiji have formalized a new defense alliance, pledging mutual military support in the event of an armed attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the agreement, known as the Ocean of Peace Alliance Veitacini Treaty, during a ceremony in Suva on Monday, July 6, 2026.

The treaty establishes Fiji as Australia's fourth formal treaty ally, joining the United States, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Under its terms, both nations are obligated to consult each other on security threats and come to one another's defense. The leaders also signed a separate agreement, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, focused on climate change, economic ties, and policing cooperation.

The signing occurred during a traditional welcome ceremony where Prime Minister Albanese participated in a kava ritual. In remarks, Albanese emphasized the strong cultural and people-to-people links between the nations, noting the presence of representatives from the Yolngu Nation of northern Australia.

The alliance is part of a broader diplomatic push by Australia in the Pacific region. This effort intensified after China signed a security pact with the Solomon...