Australia and Fiji Sign Mutual Defense Pact

Australia and Fiji signed a landmark mutual defense treaty on Monday, committing each country to come to the other's aid if attacked.

The pact is Canberra's latest move to counter China's growing influence in the South Pacific.

Separately, India and Japan agreed to jointly develop stealth technology for warships, reflecting growing unease over reliance on Washington.

Singapore and Indonesia also pledged to keep the Strait of Malacca open and free amid regional security concerns.