Fiji has joined Australia in the world's largest naval training exercise with Pacific neighbours. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS)Fiji has joined Australia in the world's largest naval training exercise with Pacific neighbours. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAPAustralia has taken part in the world's largest naval training exercise with its Pacific neighbours, combining to curb the threat of further Chinese militarisation in the region. Tonga joined RIMPAC in 2018, while Australia and New Zealand have been part of the operation since its inception in 1971. But for Australia, having the involvement of Pacific islands is an important step to shoring up the nation's influence in the region.