Australia and Fiji have sealed a new defence alliance, marking a major diplomatic win for Anthony Albanese against China for influence in the Pacific.
The prime minister inked Fiji as Australia’s fourth regional ally in a signing ceremony with counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka at State House in Suva on Monday.
The Ocean of Peace alliance and Vuvale Union agreement join the list of deals finalised by the Albanese government with Pacific nations.
Australia has mutual defence pacts with the U.S, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, called the PukPuk treaty, coming into effect on Wednesday.
The key provisions of the new alliance signed with Australia and Fiji today: “Article 5 – Consultation: In the event of a security-related development that threatens the sovereignty, peace or stability of a Party, the Parties shall consult at the request of any Party and consider whether any measures should be taken in relation to the threat.”
“Article 6 – Mutual defence: Each Party recognises that an armed attack on any of the Parties within the Pacific would be dangerous to each other’s peace and security as well as the security of the Pacific and declares that it would act to meet the common danger, in accordance with its domestic processes.”
The document also makes it clear that this new alliance is open to other Pacific nations — although the ABC has been told only Pacific nations with standing militaries could be included (Tonga, New Zealand and Fiji).
But it’s already clear this document will play a key role in the government’s attempt to build a web of security treaties with nations across the region to butrose its strategic position.
“The alliance reinforces Australia and Fiji’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and secure region,” said Australia’s foreign affairs department.
“The purpose of this treaty is to recognise and affirm the commitment between the parties to protect their sovereignty, secure their mutual defence and security interests and contribute to the stability and security of the Pacific,” the deal reads.
Ahead of the alliance’s unveiling, the prime minister drank kava out of a shell during a traditional ceremony.
Albanese thanked Rabuka for the warm welcome and for honouring Australia.
“Our countries share such strong cultural and people to people links demonstrated here today with representatives joining me from the Yolngu Nation in Northern Australia,” he said.
“Our partnership is strong, from my Vuvale (family) to yours, Vinaka (thank you).”
Albanese arrived in Fiji on Sunday evening.
In an attempt to bolster Australia’s key relationships in the region, Albanese will also host the leaders of PNG and Tonga in Brisbane at the final State of Origin game on Wednesday.
Following his visit to Fiji, Albanese will head to the Solomon Islands to meet with his counterpart Matthew Wale after the two nations agreed to further discussions on a security deal.
While visiting Honiara on Tuesday, Albanese will participate in the Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence Day celebrations.
The trip follows the sealing of a long-awaited $500 million (US$346 million) deal with Vanuatu, called the Nakamal Agreement.
Under the agreement, Port Vila agreed to close the door on foreign military bases in its territory.
The pacts form a key part of an attempt to stave off Chinese influence in the Pacific.
Later in the week, Albanese will travel to Melbourne to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi will appear at a major community event at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, with tens of thousands of members of the Indian diaspora expected to attend.
