Pact Between Australia and Vanuatu Prevents China from Establishing a Military Base

MELBOURNE, Australia

Australia and Vanuatu have formally signed a significant security and economic agreement aimed at preventing China from establishing military bases in Vanuatu. This agreement, known as the Nakamal Agreement, was signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Vanuatu counterpart Jotam Napat in the Australian capital. This comes nine months after an earlier draft was rejected by Vanuatu over concerns it might hinder infrastructure investments.

Albanese emphasized the agreement strengthens Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s key economic, security, and development ally. He stated it was a responsibility they take seriously.

Napat expressed that the deal reinforces the commitment to a partnership grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for a peaceful Pacific. A key aspect of the agreement prohibits Vanuatu from permitting foreign military bases and aims to safeguard critical infrastructure from militarization and unauthorized interference.

This agreement is part of a broader strategy by Australia to engage with its regional neighbors to counteract China’s rising security influence. Though Vanuatu will consult Australia on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure, the original proposal for Australia to have a veto over such arrangements was dropped.

China has voiced reservations about the agreement, indicating it appears directed at them. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed hope that cooperation amongst relevant nations wouldn’t target any third parties or act as a tool for geopolitical competition.

Furthermore, Vanuatu has committed to enhancing police cooperation with fellow members of the Pacific Islands Forum, including Australia, while not excluding cooperation with Chinese police. Although China doesn’t have a constant police presence, there are frequent visits from Chinese officers to the nation, which has a population of around 350,000.

The agreement also establishes that Vanuatu will collaborate with Australia, New Zealand, and France in responding to significant natural disasters.

Initially, Australia had proposed a financial aid package of 500 million Australian dollars (about 344 million USD) over a decade. Albanese mentioned that details regarding the costs of the finalized agreement would be made available by December.

Napat indicated that the bilateral agreement being negotiated with China would be disclosed once they receive approval from the Chinese government. He characterized the Namere agreement with China as a comprehensive cooperation pact focused on development and not security matters.

Vanuatu has benefited from substantial Chinese loans and aid for various infrastructure projects. Napat reassured that they would be transparent regarding the Namere agreement, expressing gratitude to the Australian Prime Minister for the opportunity to share the Nakamal agreement with China. The Chinese government has not confirmed whether they would disclose the agreement’s details when prompted.