Australia signs off on major defence alliance with Fiji

Australia has strengthened ties with Fiji, with Anthony Albanese signing two deals with the Pacific nation in a bid to counter Chinese influence in the region.

WHAT DID AUSTRALIA SIGN?

* Australia and Fiji agree on major defense deal called Peace Ocean Alliance

* Mr Albanese signed the agreement with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while visiting Suva on Monday

* The alliance means that an attack on Australia or Fiji would require the other country to come to the other’s aid

* Leaders would also need to consult with the other country in case of security issues that threaten the other country’s sovereignty.

* This is the fourth formal defense alliance Australia has signed, following agreements with the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

* It is the first alliance signed by Fiji

* Other Pacific countries may also join the alliance if unanimous approval is obtained

* The two countries also agreed on the Vuvale Union, a separate agreement that has been negotiated for months

* Vuvale Union covers economy, health, migration and climate change

* Both agreements are backed by a commitment of $1 billion over the next 10 years

* This comes after Australia signed a $500 million deal with Vanuatu called the Nakamal Agreement, as well as a defense agreement with PNG called the PukPuk Agreement.