Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases

Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, an economic and security pact that prohibits foreign military bases on the Pacific island. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's counterpart, Jotham Napat, signed the deal in Canberra on Monday. The agreement aims to ensure collective and individual security and sovereignty for both nations, with Australia committing to increased economic support for Vanuatu. Vanuatu has also passed legislation to prevent its critical infrastructure from being militarized. China has expressed concern that the agreement may be targeted at it, hoping that cooperation in the region contributes to development and stability rather than geopolitical rivalry.

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a comprehensive economic and security agreement. This pact explicitly prohibits the establishment of any foreign military base on Vanuatu. The agreement comes amid heightened strategic competition in the South Pacific between China and US allies, with Australia concerned about China's potential pursuit of a permanent security presence in the region. Under the terms of the deal, Australia will provide increased economic support to Vanuatu, which is notably Vanuatu's largest external creditor. The agreement effectively prevents foreign military powers from establishing a base on the island.