Australia and Vanuatu have signed a new economic and security agreement aimed at preventing foreign military bases from being established on the Pacific island nation.
The agreement, known as the Nakamal Agreement, was signed in Canberra on Monday by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat.
Albanese said the deal would provide certainty that no foreign military base would be built in Vanuatu, adding that it would help protect the security and sovereignty of both countries.
Under the agreement, Vanuatu will not allow foreign military bases or related infrastructure on its territory. The country will also consult Australia on third-party investments involving critical infrastructure.
Napat said Vanuatu had already passed legislation preventing the militarisation of its key infrastructure, and described the agreement as a commitment to peace, stability and cooperation in the Pacific region.
China has raised concerns over the deal, saying agreements between Pacific nations should not be used against any third party or become part of geopolitical competition.
The agreement comes as Australia seeks to strengthen its relationships with Pacific island nations amid growing Chinese influence in the region.
Vanuatu has previously worked with China on infrastructure projects, including roads, buildings and port development, while also maintaining security cooperation with Australia.
The new pact will expand cooperation between Australia and Vanuatu in areas such as policing, maritime security, cybersecurity, intelligence sharing and disaster response.
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