U.S. and Fiji Deepen Military Ties with New Agreements
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's historic visit to Fiji includes formalizing logistics cooperation, launching new defense talks, and pledging military funding.
- Lloyd Austin becomes the first U.S. Defense Secretary to visit Fiji, concluding his 12th trip to the Indo-Pacific region.
- The U.S. and Fiji signed an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement (ACSA) to streamline joint military logistics in emergencies.
- Negotiations began on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to enable routine U.S.-Fiji military training and operations without permanent U.S. troop basing.
- The U.S. announced $4.9 million in military funding to support Fiji’s small-arms modernization and maritime security capabilities.
- Austin emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Pacific amidst increasing regional competition with China.
Deutsche Welle 
Defense One 