Australia and Vanuatu agree on joint defense against foreign military presence

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu’s Jotham Napat signed an economic and security agreement in Canberra on Monday. The Nakamal Agreement aims to prevent foreign military bases from being built on Pacific islands.

Under the deal, Australia has committed to increased economic support for Vanuatu, which will bar the establishment of foreign military bases or infrastructure on the island. The agreement also requires consultation between Australia and Vanuatu on any third-party investment in critical infrastructure.

Vanuatu’s government had previously rejected an earlier version of the deal due to concerns it would limit its ability to attract infrastructure investment. However, the revised agreement removes this provision.

China has expressed concern that the agreement may be targeted at it. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that cooperation between countries and Pacific Island nations should contribute to regional development and stability, rather than targeting any particular party or fueling geopolitical rivalry.

Vanuatu will consult with Australia on third-party engagement in its critical infrastructure, but there is no longer a power of veto as previously proposed. The agreement also includes provisions for increased cooperation in areas such as policing, maritime security, cybersecurity, intelligence, and infrastructure.

Separately, Vanuatu has agreed to sign an economic agreement with China, which has provided loans to finance Chinese contractors building infrastructure on the island. China has also constructed roads and buildings across the South Pacific as part of its Belt and Road initiative.

Source: Al Jazeera