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

Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement to prevent China from establishing a military base in Vanuatu. The pact ensures Vanuatu's critical infrastructure remains free from militarization and foreign interference, with Australia committing financial support over a decade. Vanuatu also agreed to prioritize policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members but clarified its separate Namele Agreement with China is not a security pact.