Australia and Vanuatu Sign Pact to Block Foreign Military Bases

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a landmark security and economic agreement, effectively closing the door on the establishment of foreign military bases in the South Pacific island nation. The ‘Nakamal Agreement’, signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat in Canberra, commits Vanuatu to not allowing the construction of military bases or infrastructure that could be used for military purposes by any third party. The deal also stipulates that Vanuatu will consult with Australia when considering third-party involvement in strategic infrastructure projects, although Canberra does not hold a veto right. The agreement is a key part of Australia’s strategy to counter growing Chinese influence in the Pacific region. While the pact focuses on security, Vanuatu is simultaneously negotiating a separate comprehensive development agreement with China, which Prime Minister Napat insists is purely for development and not a security pact. The final version of the Nakamal Agreement delays the announcement of a specific Australian aid package, previously drafted at 500 million Australian dollars over ten years, until December.