Australia and Fiji sign a new defence pact as China launches a ballistic missile test in the Pacific. What does it all mean?

By Joanne Wallis, Professor of International Security, Adelaide University
Salote Tagivakatini, PhD Candidate in Politics and International Relations, Adelaide University

As part of his tour of the Pacific, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signed a significant defence treaty with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka.

Called the Ocean of Peace Alliance or Veitacini Treaty, the agreement is the latest step in Australia’s efforts to sign treaties that make it the regional “hub” for its Pacific Island country partner “spokes”. It follows:

the Falepili…

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© The Conversation - Monday, July 6, 2026

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