Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, committing each country to aid the other if attacked and making Fiji Australia's fourth formal ally, the Australian Financial Review reported on July 6. On the same day, China test fired a missile from a nuclear powered submarine into international waters in the Pacific.

Australia is accelerating its Pacific security architecture, with half of its military alliances having been signed with Pacific island countries in the past nine months following a similar pact with Papua New Guinea in October 2025 in addition to its softer security pact with Vanuatu signed June 29. China's missile test was more than likely planned in advance, but its timing reinforces a critical driver for Australia and Pacific island countries to tighten security links.