Key facts
- Australia and Fiji have signed a mutual defence pact called the 'Ocean of Peace Alliance'.
- The alliance aims to bolster security cooperation and counter China's regional influence.
- China reportedly prepared to test-fire a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the South Pacific.
- China conducted a long-range missile test from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean.
- Australia, Japan, and New Zealand condemned China's missile test.
- Beijing described the launch as routine military training.
- Regional powers expressed concerns over transparency and regional stability.
Australia and Fiji have formalized a mutual defence pact, the 'Ocean of Peace Alliance,' designed to enhance security cooperation and counterbalance China's growing influence in the South Pacific. This alliance was announced as China reportedly prepared to conduct a nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the same region within a 24-hour period. The pact between Australia and Fiji signifies a strategic alignment to bolster regional security.