U.S. and Fiji launch negotiations for defense cooperation agreement

The United States, under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, recently strengthened ties with Fiji through negotiations for a defense cooperation agreement during a visit on November 22, 2024. This visit marked the first time a U.S. defense secretary has traveled to the Pacific island nation, emphasizing the significance of the partnership. The proposed agreement aims to facilitate military-to-military engagements, enabling enhanced exercises and operational collaboration. Austin mentioned that no permanent U.S. military base is to be established in Fiji, but that the focus remains on training rotations and emergency logistics collaboration, including fuel and medical supplies. This agreement is driven by the heightened geopolitical tension in the Pacific, particularly due to China's military agreements with neighboring countries, reflecting the U.S. commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.