Australia and Fiji have signed a major new defence alliance, further advancing the federal government’s strategy to limit China’s influence across the Pacific region.

Axar.az informs, citing Guardian, in a surprise move, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, elevated Australia’s ties with Fiji to a formal treaty alliance.

In Suva on Monday, Albanese and Rabuka signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, which is open to other Pacific countries to join in the future, paving the way for participation by New Zealand, PNG and Tonga to join.

Albanese said the alliance deal and the newly signed Vuvale Union agreement will transform Australia and Fiji’s relationship and underpin regional prosperity and security.

The Vuvale deal could also expand visa access for Fijians seeking to come to Australia.

“The signing of these two agreements represents one of the most significant endeavours Australia has undertaken with any country,” Albanese said.

“When it comes to security issues the Pacific family need to look after our own security.

“The significance of these agreements cannot be underestimated.”

The language of the agreement says Australia and Fiji will “act to meet the common danger” in the event either country is attacked.

It says both countries recognises that an armed attack on either “would be dangerous to each other’s peace and security as well as the security of the Pacific”