Australia eyes security pact with Fiji as pushback from Beijing undermines agreement with Vanuatu
Australia is advancing a security and economic agreement with Fiji, known as the Vuvale Union, as part of its strategy to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific. Efforts to secure a similar deal with Vanuatu have been undermined by Beijing's pushback and Vanuatu's desire to maintain access to Chinese infrastructure funding. Australian ministers Penny Wong and Pat Conroy are engaging with Fijian leaders to strengthen regional ties, address fuel security, and combat transnational crime.
- ▪Australia is nearing a security and economic agreement with Fiji called the Vuvale Union.
- ▪Pushback from Beijing has weakened Australia's attempt to finalize a security deal with Vanuatu, where China has invested heavily in infrastructure.
- ▪Australian ministers Penny Wong and Pat Conroy are in Fiji to discuss energy security, supply chains, and regional cooperation with Pacific leaders.
- ▪Vanuatu's government has delayed the Australia-backed Nakamal agreement to preserve its ability to accept development funding from China.
- ▪China and Vanuatu are negotiating their own development agreement, the Namele agreement, which Vanuatu describes as non-security in nature.
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Australian foreign minister Penny Wong heads to Fiji on Tuesday as Australia nears a security and economic agreement with Fiji. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPView image in fullscreenAustralian foreign minister Penny Wong heads to Fiji on Tuesday as Australia nears a security and economic agreement with Fiji. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPAsia PacificAustralia eyes security pact with Fiji as pushback from Beijing undermines agreement with VanuatuForeign minister Penny Wong visits Fiji this week to progress the security and economic agreement Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Tom McIlroy Political editorTue 5 May 2026 01.34 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 01.48 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAustralia looks…
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