Vanuatu Denies Reports of Security Pact with China

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat has dismissed reports of a security pact with China as "grossly misguided and inaccurate." Instead, he described the proposed agreement with Beijing as a "comprehensive development cooperation agreement."

This public dispute over the nature of Vanuatu's international partnerships comes as Australia and Vanuatu prepare to finalize their own security and development pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement.

Vanuatu's Position on Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Napat was firm in asserting Vanuatu's sovereignty, stating that the nation's foreign policy is driven by its own interests.

"Vanuatu will decide what is good for Vanuatu. We will not be dictated to. Our foreign policy is guided by our national interests, not by external speculation or pressure."

Napat also addressed concerns that its partnerships might impact other bilateral relationships, saying, "Suggestions that our partnerships could affect visa arrangements or other bilateral matters are unhelpful and not a cultural reflection of Nakamal values."

The Chinese embassy in Vanuatu supported this characterization, stating that claims of a security agreement are "untrue." It emphasized that cooperation with Vanuatu focuses on infrastructure development and capacity building.

Background: The Nakamal Agreement with Australia

The Nakamal Agreement between Australia and Vanuatu was initialled by senior ministers in August of last year.

• Vanuatu's Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu said last week that the government was on the "cusp" of signing the deal.
• However, the agreement was not signed in September when Vanuatu decided it could not endorse language aimed at limiting China's security presence in the Pacific.

Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy acknowledged the competitive environment, stating that Australia is in a "daily contest" with other countries for influence in the Pacific.

Regional Reactions and Concerns

The situation has drawn attention from regional observers and Australian officials.

• A diplomat from a third country suggested that Australian officials raising concerns about the pact with China indicates they have "serious" concerns about its security implications.
• Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia has helped build a region "more stable and less deferential to authoritarian powers."
• Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien said the Australian government needs to answer questions about the current status of the Nakamal Agreement.