VANUATU’S Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, has refuted reports that his country is about to sign a security agreement with China.
He labelled the claims as “untrue” and “grossly misguided,” insisting that the proposed deal, referred to as the Namele Agreement, is actually a “comprehensive development cooperation agreement.”
The denial comes as Australia works to finalize its own landmark security and development pact with Vanuatu, known as the Nakamal Agreement.
Tensions surfaced after a local newspaper reported that Australian officials in Port Vila were worried the China-Vanuatu deal could contain security elements, potentially affecting agreements with Australia.
Napat responded: “Vanuatu will decide what is good for Vanuatu. We will not be dictated to,” adding that the country’s international relationships are “not exclusive.”
This dispute risks disrupting the delicate negotiations for the Nakamal Agreement, which has faced previous hurdles. Last year, Vanuatu hesitated to sign due to language aimed at limiting China’s security role in the region. A diplomat from a third country suggested that Australia’s decision to publicly raise concerns indicates they are genuinely worried about the security implications of the Namele pact.
Australia’s Pacific Minister, Pat Conroy, acknowledged a “daily contest for influence” in the region but would not comment on specific concerns. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Vanuatu also denied the security pact claims, stating that their cooperation focuses on infrastructure and capacity building. Prime Minister Napat maintains that the talks with Australia are “not at all linked to China,” and officials continue to work on finalizing their bilateral agreement.
Source: newsapp.abc.net.au
