Vanuatu and Australia sign treaty that blocks China military base

Key Points:

• Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement, a bilateral security and economic treaty that prevents China from establishing a military base in Vanuatu, reinforcing Australia's role as Vanuatu's main economic and security partner.
• The agreement prohibits foreign military bases and infrastructure militarization in Vanuatu and requires consultation with Australia on third-party engagement in critical infrastructure, though Australia does not have veto power.
• China expressed concern that the treaty targets it and emphasized that Pacific cooperation should not be used for geopolitical rivalry, while Vanuatu maintains ongoing police cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members, including Australia, without excluding Chinese police visits.
• Vanuatu is also negotiating a separate development cooperation deal with China, known as the Namele Agreement, which Vanuatu's prime minister describes as non-security related and plans to share publicly after Beijing's clearance.
• Australia initially proposed providing Vanuatu with AUD 500 million over ten years under the agreement, with the final cost to be disclosed by December, highlighting Australia's commitment to regional stability and development.