Australia and Fiji signed a mutual defense alliance and a treaty to strengthen economic and security cooperation on Monday. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the agreements mark an elevation of ties between the two countries.
The bilateral defense alliance is part of Canberra's campaign to shore up its influence in the South Pacific and limit China's influence. The move represents a second major diplomatic win within a year for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as Canberra seeks to outmaneuver China in the region.
As part of the strengthened relationship, Fiji will now consult Canberra on security developments. This shift comes after Fiji had grown closer to Beijing under its former leadership.