CHINA has pushed back against Australia’s new security pact with Vanuatu, warning that bilateral agreements in the Pacific should not be aimed at third countries.
This, as Beijing pursues its own deal with Port Vila.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Vanuatu Jotham Napat signed the long-awaited Nakamal agreement in Canberra on Monday, sealing a pact that gives Australia a larger role in Vanuatu’s security architecture and is designed to blunt Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific.
Under the agreement, Vanuatu has committed not to allow its territory to be used for any foreign military base and has recognised Australia as its primary policing partner.
The deal also leaves Vanuatu free to seek Chinese investment in critical infrastructure, but requires it to consult Canberra, which will provide technical support on future projects to help assess safety and security risks.
Beijing responded sharply. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said cooperation in the Pacific “should not target any third party, still less be used as an excuse for geopolitical contest.”
He added: “China always handles the documents on bilateral co-operation with Pacific island nations on the basis of friendly consultation.”
The exchange comes as China and Vanuatu discuss their own agreement, known as the Namele Agreement. Napat has denied to local media that it would amount to a security pact and has pledged to share the text once it is signed.
Guo, however, would not say whether China would release its own draft or final version.
Australia has moved aggressively to lock in security ties across the Pacific after the Solomon Islands signed a secretive defence pact with Beijing in 2022.
Canberra has since signed broad security agreements with Tuvalu and Nauru, entered a military alliance with Papua New Guinea and is finalising a pact with Fiji.
