Australia, Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign military base on Pacific island

Australia and Vanuatu have cemented a sweeping economic and security pact, explicitly barring any foreign military base from being established in the Pacific island nation. The agreement arrives as Vanuatu finds itself at the center of strategic competition between China and Western allies in the South Pacific.

Signed in Canberra, the deal commits Australia to providing $345 million in support to Vanuatu, a nation whose largest external creditor is China. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the agreement provides "certainty for Australia that there will be no foreign military base." His Vanuatu counterpart, Jotham Napat, described it as a "balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty."

The "Nakamal Agreement," as it is known, stipulates that "Vanuatu shall not permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure." This directly addresses concerns in Canberra and Washington that Beijing might seek a permanent security presence in the region, following Chinese naval port calls and funding for wharf expansion in Luganville.

“

What this does is to provide certainty for Australia that there will be no foreign military base.

Under the agreement, Australia will aid Vanuatu in developing ports, digital, aviation, and energy infrastructure. Vanuatu, in turn, agrees to keep such infrastructure free from "foreign interference" or militarization. The pact also recognizes Australia as Vanuatu's "longstanding primary policing partner," with Vanuatu prioritizing policing requests from other Pacific Islands Forum members.

This treaty is the latest in a series of security agreements Australia has pursued with Pacific island nations to counter China's expanding influence. While the Nakamal Agreement does not prevent Vanuatu from partnering with China on infrastructure projects, it requires Vanuatu to consult Australia when engaging with third parties.

“

We have concluded a balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty.