SUVA, Fiji — Fiji's coup leader said today that the military could rule for "up to 50 years" unless the Pacific island's powerful tribal chiefs approve an interim government.

The U.S. and Fiji strengthen military ties, enhancing regional security and countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The United States and Fiji had talks to strengthen military ties, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during his visit to the Pacific nation on Saturday.

All service members would wear combat boots manufactured entirely in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials under a new bill introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.