Fiji
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Global Commons
Pacific Partnership 2023 fortifies relationships, strengthens disaster preparedness
FORUM Staff The Indo-Pacific’s largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) preparedness mission began in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific islands in early August 2023. Now in its 18th year, the United States-led Pacific Partnership aims to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.…
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Climate
Pacific women’s leadership crucial to building resilience against climate change, food insecurity
Chendi Liu/Office of Women, Peace & Security Women’s vital role in tackling climate change and food insecurity in the Pacific islands region was the focus of a recent workshop in Suva, Fiji, co-sponsored by the United States Indo-Pacific Command’s (USINDOPACOM) Office of Women, Peace & Security (WPS), the Center for Naval Analyses, and Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and…
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Oceania
Defense leaders conference enhances understanding, cooperation among Indo-Pacific forces
FORUM Staff Indo-Pacific military leaders gathered for the Chiefs of Defense (CHODs) conference in Nadi, Fiji, in mid-August 2023 to discuss topics including the international rules-based order, cyber intrusion, natural disasters and climate change. The conference, held annually since 1998 and supplemented with quarterly virtual sessions, brings together the region’s senior defense leaders to enhance understanding and cooperation. The Republic…
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Global Commons
Australian Army engineers enhance security infrastructure in Fiji, Vanuatu
Tom Abke The Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) will soon have a new headquarters, thanks in part to the Australian Army’s 19th Chief Engineer Works (19CEW). The 19CEW and Fijian builders began work on the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) in Lami in 2022, with completion scheduled for August 2024. The center will house the Fiji Information Fusion Centre, the…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Indo-Pacific allies strengthen interoperability during Southern Jackaroo
The Watch Staff Australia, Japan and the United States are demonstrating the strength of their military partnership in the Indo-Pacific during the trilateral exercise Southern Jackaroo. Australia-based U.S. Marines are training with Soldiers from the Australian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in the annual exercise, which was first held in 2015. The 2023 iteration began June 15 and runs…
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Oceania
Fiji, New Zealand finalizing defense agreement
Reuters Fiji and New Zealand are finalizing a defense agreement that will increase engagement between their militaries, and build capacity and skills in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said in early June 2023. “The agreement will allow defense officials to undertake engagement in different areas, including capacity building and upskilling, exposure to new technologies,…
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Oceania
Fiji investigates allegations of Chinese spying
VOICE OF AMERICA Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka vowed to investigate whether the Chinese Communist Party spied on a senior Pacific leader while he visited the island nation. David Panuelo, outgoing president of the Federated States of Micronesia, alleged to his country’s legislature that Chinese agents followed him in Fiji. An outspoken Beijing critic, he also has accused the People’s…
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Key Issues
Jakarta shows defense diplomacy power with Fiji, Singapore deals
Gusty Da Costa Indonesia’s defense cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners expanded in early December 2022 when the country’s People’s Representative Council ratified two agreements, one each with Fiji and Singapore. The deal with Singapore strengthens defense ties vital to countering shared security threats such as smuggling, piracy and environmental degradation in the Malacca Strait and elsewhere, according to officials and analysts.…
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Key Issues
Fijian, New Zealand forces reaffirm enduring partnership
New Zealand Defence Force From training recruits, musicians and plant operators to deploying Fijian Sailors on a New Zealand ship, the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions has allowed the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to resume activities and reaffirm its long-standing partnership with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). With borders reopened, RFMF personnel have traveled to New Zealand…
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Oceania
Australian, Fijian militaries to work alongside each other
Reuters Australia and Fiji have agreed to allow their militaries to operate in each other’s country, with defense leaders describing the partnership as a significant step for security cooperation. Pacific Island Countries (PICs) have said climate change is the biggest security threat to the region, but geopolitical tensions increased after the Solomon Islands struck a security pact with the People’s…
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