Australia signs major defence alliance with Fiji, seeking to counter China

Australia and Fiji signed a major defence alliance on Monday, committing each country to come to the other's aid if either is attacked, as China seeks to expand its influence in the region.



The Ocean of Peace Alliance marks Fiji's first-ever alliance, while the Pacific nation will become Australia's fourth formal ally, after the U.S., New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.



"The Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces mutual defence obligations, and there's no higher obligation than to come to each other's aid at a time of need," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint news conference with his counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka in the Fijian capital Suva.



"An attack on Fiji from an outside force would trigger Australia's full support for Fiji and for its sovereignty," Albanese said.



The defence pact comes as China expands its economic influence and deepens security ties in the Pacific. Australia has said it is in a "permanent state of contest" with China in the region and has sought to curb Beijing's influence through security and defence deals with Pacific nations.



Australia last week signed a security agreement with Vanuatu, under which it will remain the country's preferred security and policing partner.