Australia and Vanuatu Sign Agreement Banning Foreign Military Bases

(CNA Canberra, June 29, Comprehensive Foreign Dispatch) Australia and Vanuatu today signed a comprehensive economic and security agreement, prohibiting the establishment of any foreign military bases in the Pacific island nation.

According to Agence France-Presse, Vanuatu is at the center of strategic competition between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concern about Beijing's pursuit of a permanent security presence in the region.

The agreement was signed in Canberra by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

China is currently Vanuatu's largest external creditor. Under the agreement, Australia pledges to provide greater economic support to Vanuatu and prevent foreign military forces from establishing bases there.

Albanese told the media, "This indeed provides certainty for Australia, ensuring that there will be no foreign military bases."

Chinese naval vessels have docked at Vanuatu's ports multiple times.

Beijing also funded the expansion of the Luganville wharf. As Luganville was once the largest US military base in the South Pacific, this move has raised concerns in Canberra and Washington about China's intention to establish a naval base.

China and Vanuatu previously stated that the wharf is for cruise ship docking.

Napat told the media at a post-signing press conference that under the Nakamal Agreement, Vanuatu also pledges to refuse the militarization of infrastructure. (Compiled by Zhang Xiaowen) 1150629

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