Canberra, Australia – In a strategic move aimed at enhancing stability in the South Pacific region, Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement for Comprehensive Economic and Security Cooperation today, June 29, 2026.
This treaty is a cornerstone of the two countries’ new security policy. It places clear restrictions preventing any foreign country from establishing military bases or infrastructure facilities for military purposes on Vanuatu territory.
Security and sovereignty guarantees
During the signing ceremony in Canberra, the Australian capital, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed that the agreement provides his country with vital guarantees regarding regional security. He further emphasized that it represents a “balanced agreement” that protects the national sovereignty of both Australia and Vanuatu. For his part, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Gautham Nabat, explained that his country is committed to preventing the militarization of its infrastructure. He noted that the Vanuatu parliament has already enacted legislation prohibiting the use of critical facilities for military purposes, thus underscoring its sovereign decision in this matter.
Pacific power balances
This agreement comes amid growing concern in Canberra and Washington about China’s expanding security influence in the region. Australia has long expressed concerns about Chinese funding of infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of the Luganville Pier. This historic US military base was established during World War II, and there has been Western speculation that Beijing might use it as a naval base. However, China and Vanuatu have denied these claims, asserting that the project is intended for cruise ships.
Under the new agreement, Australia strengthens its position as Vanuatu’s premier security and economic partner. It will intensify cooperation in areas such as police training, maritime security, cybersecurity, and intelligence sharing. Vanuatu, in turn, commits to prioritizing Australian and Pacific Islander Forum (PIF) police cooperation proposals.
The economic track and ongoing negotiations
While this treaty strengthens security ties between Canberra and Port Vila, Vanuatu has emphasized that this does not preclude other avenues of cooperation; separate negotiations with China regarding economic cooperation agreements are still underway.
This Australian move is part of a series of treaties Australia is concluding with Pacific island nations. It reflects a sustained effort to contain China’s growing influence and promote regional security. The treaty also aims to maintain a delicate balance between the need for economic development and the preservation of collective national security.
