Fiji Makes Strong Military Ties with Russia

BCFOS -- The analysis published by the Lowy Institute for International Policy says New Zealand and Australia have let the ball drop with their Pacific neighbour and Russia’s motives in Fiji appear to be opportunistic - possibly linked to easy access to UN votes.

Co-author Anna Powles told ONE News Russia’s arms deal earlier this year with Fiji and extending ties within the Pacific region would be concerning to the US who have always thought of the Pacific as being aligned with western ideals.

But she says geo-politics in the region is changing and Wellington and Canberra need to be smarter in their engagement with Fiji.

The paper, titled 'Principled Engagement: Rebuilding Defence Ties with Fiji', suggests making strong personal links between New Zealand, Australian and Fijian defence forces, including exchanges of personnel and multinational training exercises.


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