US, Fiji move to strengthen military ties

A Pro-Western Government

The mostly pro-Western government of Fiji has recently made trips to Beijing, where they signed bilateral deals on trade, infrastructure, and Chinese-language education.

The Importance of Peace in the Region

In a statement, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the importance of peace in the region, saying “We are all here to talk about peace, and how we guard and protect and promote that peace.” This sentiment is shared by both nations, as they work together to strengthen their military ties and maintain stability in the region.

A Bilateral Agreement Under Negotiation for Military Cooperation

Military Modernization and Logistics Cooperation

A Historic Moment in the US-Fiji Relationship

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has described the visit as a “historic moment in the US and Fiji relationship.” He expressed his country’s desire to continue working closely with the United States, including with the new incoming Trump administration. The power struggle between Washington and Beijing in the South Pacific region makes Fiji an important ally for both nations.

Key Points

• The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the bilateral agreement during his visit to Fiji on Saturday.

• The SOFA will allow the US to train with the Fijian military on a more routine basis.

• The US pledged $4.9 million for Fiji’s military modernization and signed a logistics cooperation deal.

• The trip marked the first-ever visit by a US defense secretary to Fiji, and the last stop in Austin’s tour of the Asia-Pacific region.

Quotes

• “This historic moment marks a significant step forward in our partnership with Fiji,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

• Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called Austin’s visit a “historic moment in the US and Fiji relationship” and expressed his country’s desire to continue working closely with the United States.

Context

The power struggle between Washington and Beijing in the South Pacific region makes Fiji an important ally for the US. The mostly pro-Western government of Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has recently made trips to Beijing, where he signed bilateral deals on trade, infrastructure, and Chinese-language education.