Vanuatu has declared it remains open to finalizing a comprehensive agreement with Australia but will not yield to pressure tactics from larger nations, according to statements from the country’s leadership.
Government officials emphasized that while discussions continue regarding the proposed Nakamal agreement, Vanuatu must protect its sovereign rights and ensure any partnership genuinely serves its national interests. The delayed pact, which would involve substantial Australian investment, has undergone extended negotiations as Vanuatu seeks to ensure the terms align with its development priorities.
Concurrently, Vanuatu has moved to formalize policing cooperation with China through a memorandum of understanding. Officials clarified this arrangement focuses specifically on law enforcement collaboration and exists separately from broader security discussions with Australia. The partnership would provide structure to policing support that China has offered since 2014, including training and equipment provisions.
Vanuatu maintains similar law enforcement agreements with multiple international partners, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Officials stressed that pursuing additional cooperation with China represents standard diplomatic practice rather than a shift in foreign policy alignment.
The developments occur amid ongoing regional discussions about security architecture in the Pacific. Analysts note that while Australia remains the primary security partner for many Pacific nations, countries increasingly seek to diversify international relationships while safeguarding their independent decision-making processes.
Vanuatu’s leadership indicated negotiations with Australia continue productively, though the timing for finalizing agreements depends on reaching terms that respect the nation’s sovereignty and long-term development objectives.
