Australia, Vanuatu Sign Nakamal Agreement Security Pact
The compromise pact increases Australian economic support and keeps Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure free from militarisation.
- On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, officially barring any foreign military base on the Pacific island.
- The signing follows a 10-month delay after Napat withdrew from a planned ceremony last September, citing concerns that the deal might compromise Vanuatu's sovereignty or restrict infrastructure funding from China.
- Under the pact, Vanuatu agrees to "consult Australia on proposed third-party engagement" regarding critical infrastructure while reaffirming Australia as the nation's longstanding primary policing partner for maritime and cybersecurity cooperation.
- Albanese described the deal as a "balanced agreement" that protects collective security without preventing Vanuatu from engaging with other nations, clarifying that the pact does not grant Canberra veto power.
- Despite this security partnership, Vanuatu maintains its tradition of non-alignment, and the nation continues separate negotiations for an economic deal with Beijing, signaling that regional competition for influence remains active.
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China hopes co-op between relevant country and Pacific nations should not target any third party or be used for geopolitical contest: FM on Australia-Vanuatu pact
China has always engaged in practical cooperation with Pacific island countries including Vanuatu across various sectors by adhering to the principles of mutual respect, equality, win-win results, openness and inclusiveness. China hopes that cooperation between relevant countries and Pacific island nations can truly contribute to the development and stability of the region. Such cooperation should not target any third party, nor should it be use…
Australia has signed an agreement with Vanuatu to prevent the construction of foreign military bases in the Pacific island state. China has sharply criticised the treaty.
China issues warning after Australia, Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign military base on Pacific island
Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific nation.
Under the agreement, Australia is committed to providing increased economic support to Vanuatu, of which China is the main creditor. According to the Prime Minister of the archipelago, a law prohibiting the militarization of infrastructure has been adopted.
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