Australia and Vanuatu have signed a bilateral security and economic treaty that includes provisions preventing China from establishing a military base on the South Pacific island nation. The pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement, was signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat in Canberra.
"Our agreement reflects and confirms Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest and most comprehensive economic, security and development partner, a responsibility that we take seriously," Albanese stated. Napat added that the pact "reaffirms our shared commitment to continuing and strengthening the comprehensive partnership between our two countries, founded on mutual respect, trust and our common vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific."
Under the terms of the agreement, Vanuatu commits to not allowing any foreign military base or infrastructure on its territory and will ensure its critical infrastructure remains free from militarization, foreign interference, or unauthorized access. Vanuatu will consult with Australia regarding third-party engagement in its critical infrastructure, though the original proposal of a veto power was removed.
The agreement also outlines Vanuatu's commitment to prioritize policing cooperation with members of the Pacific Islands Forum. The pact does not exclude Chinese police personnel, who have previously visited the nation of 350,000 people, though China does not maintain a permanent police presence there.
Vanuatu has also agreed to first seek assistance from Australia, New Zealand, and France in the event of major natural disasters. The financial details of the current agreement are expected to be made public by December, with Albanese noting that the cost will be disclosed then.
This treaty is one of several security arrangements Australia has pursued or is negotiating with regional neighbors in an effort to counter China's growing security influence in the Pacific. The Vanuatuan government is also negotiating a separate development cooperation deal, referred to as the Namele Agreement, with China. Napat has described the Namele Agreement as a development-focused pact, not a security one, and has indicated it will be shared once it receives clearance from Beijing. Vanuatu has previously received significant loans and aid from China for infrastructure projects.