A long-awaited Australia-Vanuatu pact blocks China from building a military base

Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement to prevent foreign military bases in Vanuatu, blocking China's potential security influence. The pact prioritizes economic and security cooperation, with Australia offering funding and Vanuatu committing to consult on critical infrastructure. Vanuatu also mentioned a separate China-negotiated Namele Agreement, described as non-security-focused.