Suva (Fiji) (AFP) – Australia and Fiji signed a major defence treaty on Monday, bolstering ties as Canberra seeks to outmanoeuvre China in the South Pacific.
The Ocean of Peace pact elevates Fiji to one of Australia's few treaty allies and binds each nation to come to the other's "mutual defence".
China sent waves through the region in 2022 when it signed a secretive security pact with the Solomon Islands, stoking fears it could one day lead to a permanent military presence.
Australia has greatly upped its diplomatic efforts in response, securing deals with the likes of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the pact with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka during a trip to capital Suva.
The pair also signed a second comprehensive treaty covering everything from climate action to economic cooperation.
"When it comes to security issues the Pacific family need to look after our own security," Albanese told reporters.
"The significance of these agreements cannot be underestimated."
Photos showed Albanese sipping Fiji's traditional kava drink at a welcome ceremony before the pact was signed.
Fiji joins the United States, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as Australia's fourth treaty-bound ally.
Under the deal, the two nations agree to consult each other over any "security-related development" that threatens their sovereignty.
Rabuka tried to quell concerns that China could see the treaty as a snub.
"I do not expect China to have any severe pushback," he told reporters.
"I believe that they will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji.
"It does not threaten Fiji's relationship with China."
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