Australia and Vanuatu sign security deal to block foreign military bases

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a major security and development agreement that prevents any foreign country from establishing a military base in the Pacific island nation.

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a major security and development agreement that prevents any foreign country from establishing a military base in the Pacific island nation. The deal marks another step in Australia’s efforts to strengthen its ties with Pacific neighbours as competition for influence in the region continues to grow.

The agreement was signed in Canberra by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat. Along with security cooperation, Australia has pledged financial assistance worth 345 million dollars to support Vanuatu’s development. The funding will help improve ports, airports, energy projects, digital services and other important infrastructure across the island nation.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Albanese said the agreement gives Australia confidence that no foreign military base will be allowed in Vanuatu. He added that both countries had reached a balanced arrangement that protects their security interests while also respecting each other’s independence and sovereignty.

The agreement, known as the Nakamal Agreement, clearly states that Vanuatu will not allow its territory to be used for any foreign military base or military infrastructure. It also commits both countries to ensuring that major infrastructure projects remain free from outside interference or military use.

Australia will expand its support for Vanuatu’s police and security institutions through training, equipment, intelligence sharing, maritime security and cyber security cooperation. The agreement also recognises Australia as Vanuatu’s main policing partner. Under the deal, Vanuatu will give priority to policing assistance from members of the Pacific Islands Forum before seeking support from countries outside the region.

The agreement comes at a time when China’s presence in the Pacific has become a growing concern for Australia and its allies. Chinese naval vessels have visited Vanuatu several times in recent years. Beijing also financed the expansion of the wharf at Luganville, a move that raised fears in Canberra and Washington that the facility could eventually serve military purposes. China and Vanuatu have consistently maintained that the upgraded port was intended for commercial use, particularly for cruise ships.

Despite the new agreement with Australia, Vanuatu is expected to continue its economic relationship with China. The island nation is also negotiating a separate economic partnership with Beijing, which has invested heavily in roads, government buildings and other development projects over the past decade. The new agreement does not prevent Vanuatu from working with China on infrastructure projects. However, it requires consultations with Australia when engaging another country on major developments.

Experts believe the competition for influence in the Pacific is unlikely to end. Former Australian diplomat James Batley said Vanuatu has traditionally followed a policy of maintaining balanced relations with different countries and is unlikely to distance itself completely from China. He also believes Beijing will continue pursuing its interests in the region.

Researchers say the agreement also benefits Vanuatu by improving opportunities for travel and employment in Australia. Thousands of seasonal workers from Vanuatu already play an important role in Australia’s agriculture and horticulture sectors. The deal is expected to strengthen that partnership while expanding cooperation in development and regional security.