Australia and Vanuatu Strengthen Security Partnership with New Nakamal Agreement, Lacking Clauses Against Chinese Influence
Vanuatu's cabinet has approved a new version of the Nakamal Agreement with Australia, reinforcing their security ties. However, the agreement does not include provisions to limit China's expanding influence in the region, reflecting Vanuatu's strategy to maintain diverse partnerships amidst escalating diplomatic competition between Australia and China in the Pacific.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 13:17
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The report stated that Vanuatu's cabinet, the 'Council of Ministers,' approved the new version of the Nakamal Agreement on the 7th. It will officially take effect pending approval from the Australian government.
The report mentioned that under the old agreement, Australia was to invest AUD 500 million (approximately NTD 11.4 billion) in Vanuatu. However, in September of last year, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat pointed out that some ministers in his coalition government were concerned the old version of the Nakamal Agreement would harm national sovereignty, leading to a delay in the agreement's negotiation process and signing time.
Australia and China are engaged in 'a fierce diplomatic arm wrestle' over various Pacific island nations. For example, while Australia is pushing to sign the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, China is simultaneously seeking to reach the 'Namele Agreement' with Vanuatu.
The report noted that the specific terms of the new Australian-Vanuatu Nakamal Agreement have not yet been made public.
Furthermore, the report cited unnamed sources indicating that the new version of the agreement does not include clauses restricting Chinese investment in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure and other sensitive areas. While it solidifies Australia's position as Vanuatu's primary security partner, it does not prevent Vanuatu from cooperating with other partners, including China.
Pat Conroy, Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, stated in a media interview last week, when asked if China was attempting to undermine the Nakamal Agreement, that Australia faces a 'permanent contest' in the Pacific region, emphasizing that many countries, including China, are striving to expand their influence in the area. He believes that security issues for Pacific island nations should be led and maintained by the Pacific island nations themselves. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150512
FAQ
What is the Nakamal Agreement?
The Nakamal Agreement is a security partnership agreement between Australia and Vanuatu. A new version has been approved by Vanuatu's cabinet and awaits Australian government approval.
Does the new Nakamal Agreement include clauses to limit Chinese influence?
According to unnamed sources cited in the report, the new version of the agreement does not include specific clauses to restrict Chinese investment in Vanuatu's critical infrastructure or other sensitive areas.
What was the investment amount under the old agreement?
Under the old version of the agreement, Australia was set to invest AUD 500 million (approximately NTD 11.4 billion) in Vanuatu.
Why was the signing of the agreement delayed?
The signing was delayed because some ministers in Vanuatu's coalition government were concerned that the old version of the Nakamal Agreement could harm national sovereignty.
What is the broader context of this agreement?
The agreement is being signed amidst intense diplomatic competition between Australia and China for influence in the Pacific island nations. While Australia strengthens its security ties with Vanuatu, China is also pursuing its own agreement, the 'Namele Agreement'.