A new security deal between Australia and Fiji will provide both countries with a framework to counter and respond to “common security challenges” in the Pacific.
While no explicit reference to China was mentioned, both The Australian and Fijian Defence ministers—who signed the “Status of Forces Agreement” on Oct. 20—said the new deal marked an “important milestone” in the defence relationship.
“We share an interest in a peaceful, secure and resilient Pacific and need to work together to effectively respond to common security challenges—both traditional and non-traditional,” Australia’s Defence minister Richard Marles said in a statement.
Fiji’s Defence minister Inia Seruiratu said the agreement also marked “a new height of security cooperation between our two nations.”…