THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Vanuatu and Australia agree to $500 million security, economic pact Australian and Vanuatu government officials at the finalising of the Nakamal Agreement in Tanna on Wednesday. Photo/Vanuatu government After months of negotiations, Vanuatu has approved the Nakamal Agreement with Australia, which is set to be officially signed next month. Vanuatu has finalised a strategic pact with Australia, known as the Nakamal Agreement, which is worth A$500 million (NZ$548.16m) over the next 10 years. Vanuatu's government announced on Wednesday in Tanna that its Council of Ministers has approved the deal, with plans to officially sign the agreement next month. The pact focuses on various important issues between the two countries, including building infrastructure, developing the economy, and addressing climate change, especially in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck Vanuatu in December 2024. Australia will contribute major funds, including $120m for data centres and $100m for security support. This week, the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting is taking place in Fiji, and Vanuatu's Foreign Minister, Marc Ati, is expected to join discussions in Suva. Aus…

Australia-Vanuatu deal bars foreign bases in island nation Australia and Vanuatu have signed a deal seen as a bid to check China's growing security presence in the region. But an economic deal between Vanuatu and China is still in the works.

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia and Vanuatu have inked a new security deal, but the fine print is far less restrictive than the initial hype suggested. Evidence: Security Treaty, Regional Influence, Infrastructure. #Geopolitics #Pacific

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia and Vanuatu sign $328 million pact to boost security ... 5 minute read Australia and Vanuatu have signed a AUD 500 million (USD 328 million) 10-year agreement aimed at bolstering security cooperation, driving economic growth, and reinforcing their shared role in maintaining Pacific regional stability. Termed as the Nakamal agreement, the pact is the product of months of negotiations and represents a significant upgrade in the relationship between the two nations. Leaders from both countries have emphasized its strategic and long-term importance, noting that it comes at a time when geopolitical competition in the Pacific is intensifying. At the announcement on August 13, 2025, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles underscored the closeness of the relationship, saying, “We are family,” and stressing that “Our future is very much bound together.” Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat described the deal as a “win-win situation” for both sides, highlighting its potential to bring tangible benefits in security, infrastructure, and economic resilience. Infrastructure, climate resilience, and visa-free travel The Australian government has not released a full bre…

Australia, Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign military base on Pacific island <p>Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific nation.</p> <p>Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concern that Beijing is seeking a permanent security presence in the region.</p> <p>The agreement commits Australia to $345 million in support for Vanuatu, whose largest external creditor is China, and it stops a foreign military power establishing a base there.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed media--uneven media--tweet' data-original-src='https://x.com/AlboMP/status/2071425408801579454'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/2071425408801579454"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>“What this does is to provide certainty for Australia that there will be no foreign military base,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters af…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia and Vanuatu set to sign strategic pact after months of negotiations Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are set to ink the Nakamal Agreement, almost 10 months after Mr Napat pulled out of a planned signing ceremony in Port Vila, citing concerns around sovereignty.

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Vanuatu bans ‘foreign military bases’ in new security pact with Australia Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday that bars the establishment of any foreign military base on the Pacific island. Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concern that Beijing is seeking a permanent security presence in the region. The agreement commits Australia to greater economic support for Vanuatu, whose largest external creditor is China, and it stops a foreign...

Australia and Vanuatu signed a long-awaited bilateral security and economic treaty on Monday (June 29) that prevents China creating a military base on the South Pacific island nation. apnews.com/article/aust...

Australia politics live: Vanuatu PM in Canberra as hopes rise over treaty; fossil fuel companies accused of marketing to children <p>Jotham Napat’s visit renews expectations that the two countries can sign the Nakamal pact after long negotiations. Follow today’s news live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Hanson’s press club speech a ‘reality check’ for Australians, says Watt</strong></p><p>Environment minister <strong>Murray Watt</strong>, says One Nation’s popularity dipping from 31% to 29% is due to <strong>Pauline Hanson</strong>’s controversial press club address, but concedes the “polls will bounce around a bit.”</p><p>We have seen a bit of a change in the public mood towards One Nation since Pauline Hanson’s Press Club speech.</p><p>I think that speech was a bit of a reality check for a lot of Australians who were thinking about voting for One Nation, because they got to see that as much as people are under p…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia-Vanuatu Pact Signals New Phase in Pacific Diplomacy Australia–Vanuatu Pact Signals New Phase in Pacific Diplomacy Asia Pacific Diplomacy and Security Policy 28 Aug Written By Analyst By Alex Blackburn | 28 August 2025 Summary A landmark 10-year AUD 500m deal aims to strengthen security, climate resilience, and economic modernisation, including funding for data centres and disaster preparedness, while reinforcing Australia’s influence in the Pacific against China’s growing presence. Early project planning and climate initiatives will demonstrate progress, but unresolved issues, particularly visa-free travel and sensitivities around security cooperation, could spark domestic debate in Vanuatu, echoing the collapse of a similar 2022 pact. If fully implemented, the agreement is likely to transform Vanuatu’s digital and economic infrastructure, entrench Australia as its primary development and security partner, and expand labour mobility ties, though balancing sovereignty with external partnerships, especially China,  will remain a strategic challenge. Australia and Vanuatu have reached a landmark 10-year agreement worth AUD 500m (USD 328m), designed to strengthen security an…

Vanuatu critical infrastructure to remain 'free from militarisation' under pact Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ink the Nakamal Agreement, almost 10 months after Mr Napat pulled out of a planned signing ceremony in Port Vila, citing concerns around sovereignty.

Vanuatu deal is significant but a harbinger of what's to come in the Pacific Although a big moment in diplomacy, the Vanuatu agreement has come at a clear reputational cost to Australia.

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Vanuatu to sign Nakamal Agreement with Australia, Namele Agreement ... Overview: Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has confirmed that Vanuatu will move forward with signing two major strategic cooperation agreements — the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and the Namele Agreement with China — after months of negotiations and debate over sovereignty concerns. The government says both deals are focused on cooperation and development, not security pacts, as Port Vila seeks to balance ties with global partners while protecting national interests. PORT VILA, 22 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) —-Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has confirmed the government will sign the landmark Nakamal Agreement with Australia, as well as the Namele Agreement with China. PM Napat revealed this in Parliament after Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) Member of Parliament for Tanna constituency, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, asked during Oral Questions time if the PM could give the Government’s stand on the months long negotiated Nakamal Agreement, whether it will be signed or not, and if it is possible for MPs to have access to its content. PM Napat then revealed there are two agreements that the Government will s…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases Two countries sign economic and security pact, as China expresses concern that the agreement may be targeted at it.

Friends to all: Agreement with Australia to shape Vanuatu security ... SHARE Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Email Print This Post With Images Without Images Vanuatu and Australia are poised to sign a reshaped and reformed broader strategic agreement in September that will supersede the stalled 2022 bilateral security agreement. In addition to boosting Vanuatu’s security sector, the new agreement—worth $500 million—will also support broader infrastructure assistance, economic development and investment in climate resilience. While Vanuatu is likely to continue to engage a broad range of security partners, the agreement with Australia demonstrates the importance of that partnership as well as Australia’s ability to listen and adapt to the needs of its Pacific neighbours. Vanuatu’s main security force is the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF). It comprises nearly 1000 personnel and two specialised arms: the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF), a paramilitary group responsible for maintaining stability and delivering disaster relief; and the Police Maritime Wing, which focuses on illegal fishing. In the coming years, the VPF aims to grow to more than 1,500 personnel, and…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…

Australia and #Vanuatu just signed a treaty banning foreign military bases — a direct move to block #China from establishing one in the Pacific. The deal comes with more Australian economic aid for a nation deeply indebted to Beijing.

WHAT IS THIS AGREEMENT? * Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed theNakamal Agreementin Canberra on Monday * The Pacific island nation of 336,000 people will keep Australia as its primary aid and policing partner under the deal, as Canberra attempts to steer it away from Beijing WHAT'S IN IT? * The deal is a refurbished version of an agreement that fell over in 2025, which would have let Australia veto Chinese involvement in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure - meaning ports, telecommunications, digital, aviation and energy * Australia originally pledged to spend $500 million over 10 years to help Vanuatu's government, but that money will now be dished out over a longer, unspecified period * If Vanuatu needs foreign aid, it has to first request it from a humanitarian coalition comprising France, Australia and New Zealand, known as FRANZ * If the police need help, Vanuatu will first ask the Pacific Islands Forum, an organisation of 18 Pacific nations including Australia and excluding China; and Australia will step up its assistance to Vanuatu police * Vanuatu has vowed not to allow foreign military bases in its territory, nor militar…