Australia signs new agreement in blow to China

Australia has signed a long-awaited security agreement with Vanuatu in its fight against China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat inked the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra on Monday, almost 10 months after it was halted due to sovereignty concerns from the Pacific island nation.

Vanuatu has agreed not to allow any foreign military bases or infrastructure on its territory and to consult Australia on a country’s proposed involvement in critical infrastructure.

In exchange, Australia will provide funding and support to remain Vanuatu’s primary policing and security partner.

“Our agreement reflects and confirms Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest and most comprehensive economic security and development partner,” Albanese told reporters on Monday.

“We’ve concluded a balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty, and it will support our interest in a stable, prosperous and secure region that we both call home.”

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Napat said Vanuatu shares the same vision for a peaceful and secure Pacific.

“With the signing of the long-awaited national agreement, Australia and Vanuatu are close neighbours, trusted partners and enduring friends,” he said.

Australia has been concerned about China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Monday’s agreement prevents Beijing from establishing a military base in Port Vila.

Earlier this month, Australia also won treaty talks with the Solomon Islands to become its security partner of choice as both countries look to improve relations following Honiara’s 2022 pact with Beijing.

Vanuatu had refused to sign the Nakamal Agreement last year over concerns it would prevent it from receiving infrastructure funding from other countries.

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Initially costing Australia $500 million over 10 years, Albanese would not confirm whether the revised agreement will carry the same price tag.

“We’ll be transparent, as we are, in these matters. They’ll be available as part of MYEFO at the end of this year,” he said.

“We are providing support for economic development in Vanuatu. That is in the interest of the people of Vanuatu, but also in Australia’s national interests to have economic development in our region.”