Australia-Fiji defense pact likely spurred China’s missile splash
Support us Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka. Image: AAP via The Conversation As part of his tour of the Pacific, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signed a significant defense 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: New Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has requested Australia negotiate a bilateral treaty (building on their 2017 treaty). Australia is also in talks to make a treaty with Tonga. Shortly after the agreement with Fiji was signed, China conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific Ocean. The test provoked criticism from regional leaders, and underscored the need for Pacific Island countries to collectively think through their defense and security arrangements. There is also much to digest in the Veitacini Treaty, and its accompanying Vuvale Union, which seeks to elevate security, economic ties and people-to-people links.
