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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Tom McIlroy Political editor

Australia and Fiji sign surprise defence alliance amid push to limit China’s influence in the Pacific

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shake hands before a bilateral meeting in Suva, Fiji, 06 July 2026
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese (left) and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka have elevated ties between the two countries to a formal treaty alliance. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/EPA

Australia and Fiji have signed a major new defence alliance, further advancing the federal government’s strategy to limit China’s influence across the Pacific region.

In a surprise move, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, elevated Australia’s ties with Fiji to a formal treaty alliance.

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