CANBERRA – Australia and Fiji have agreed to a new security and political partnership as Canberra intensifies efforts to reinforce its role in the Pacific and counter China’s growing reach in the region.
The two countries are set to sign the Vuvale Union, a new treaty that expands on the bilateral partnership first established in 2019. The word Vuvale means family in Fijian, reflecting the intended spirit of the agreement.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in Suva on May 6 that the treaty will cover security, economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. She said the final details will be completed in the coming weeks.
As part of the broader package, Australia will also provide A$30 million $$S\$28 million$$ to Fiji to help secure fuel supplies. Fiji serves as a fuel distribution hub for several Pacific island nations that rely entirely on imports for energy.
Ms Wong said fuel is still reaching the region, but rising prices have created pressure on supply chains, prompting Canberra to step in with financial support.
Australia has recently expanded security and policing agreements with Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Nauru, Indonesia and other partners as it works to limit Beijing’s influence across the Pacific. It is also deepening defence cooperation with Japan, including a recent plan to buy Japanese-built naval vessels.