Fiji wrestles with need for outside help on security, at risk to its own sovereignty

Pacific country must maintain independence' in security partnerships, military commander warns, amid spread of deals struck with other countries

• Mapped: the vast network of security deals spanning the Pacific, and what it means

Leading military, police and political figures in Fiji have raised concerns about striking deals with other countries such as China to boost security and policing, saying it could pose a risk to sovereignty.

Analysis by the Guardian found that Fiji has at least 12 significant agreements with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Most of the pacts and initiatives are with Australia, followed by New Zealand, the US and China. Fiji has struck or renewed policing and defence deals with Australia, New Zealand and the US in the past five years. Earlier this year, it opted to stick with a controversial China policing deal after a review.