Australia looks close to signing a landmark security and economic agreement with Fiji as part of the Albanese government’s efforts to contain China’s growing influence across the Pacific. But pushback from Beijing has undermined a separate deal with Vanuatu’s government, resulting in a scaling back of a deal aimed at locking in Australia as the country’s primary security partner. The foreign minister, Penny Wong , and the minister for Pacific Island affairs, Pat Conroy, were due to arrive in Suva on Tuesday afternoon as part of a three-day trip focused on fuel security and strategic ties. The pair are expected to progress a new treaty known as the Vuvale Union in talks with Fiji’s prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, and cabinet ministers. Wong and Conroy have dramatically increased engagement across the Pacific since Labor’s 2022 election win amid concerns China is buying influence through funding for major infrastructure projects and the provision of services, including policing.…