New Zealand to consider joining Australia and Fiji in defence alliance, PM says
Wellington says any final decision would need Cabinet and Parliament approval as the pact seeks to counter Chinese influence and could expand to other Pacific states.
- On Monday, July 6, 2026, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance and Vuvale Union in Suva, establishing mutual defense and development commitments.
- Seeking to counter China's expanding military influence, Canberra positions itself as the "security partner of choice" for Pacific nations, a move designed to deepen regional security relationships after years of diplomatic effort.
- Australia committed $1 billion for health and education infrastructure under the Vuvale Union, while the Ocean of Peace Alliance binds both nations to "mutual defence" if either party faces an armed attack.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Thursday that his government will discuss joining the alliance, as regional leaders seek to maintain a "Pacific-led" response to security challenges.
- China conducted a long-range missile test shortly after the signing, demonstrating the "persistent" nature of regional competition and the complexity of balancing economic ties with formal security obligations.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Pacific Allies Form NATO-Style Pact to Defend Against China.
Australia and Fiji have signed a historic defense pact aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the South Pacific, potentially setting the stage for a broader regional security coalition.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Australia and Fiji have signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a NATO-style military pact obligating mutual defense in the event of an attack. The agreement, signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime M…
(Hanoi=Yonhap News) Correspondent Park Jin-hyung = As New Zealand begins considering joining the defense alliance formed by Australia and the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, [against] the expansion of China's influence...
New Zealand Signals Interest in Australia-Fiji Defence Pact After Chinese Missile Test
New Zealand says it will look to join Australia and Fiji’s new defence pact following Beijing’s ballistic missile test in the region. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on July 9 that he would engage both countries about joining the “Ocean of Peace Alliance.” “New Zealand and Australia share a close bond, with a military alliance that continues to go from strength to strength, and we also have a strong and enduring relationship with Fiji,” he…
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