Vanuatu, a strategically situated Pacific nation, has assured a visiting bipartisan delegation led by Foreign Minister Penny Wong that it is not in talks with China for a similar arrangement, and Australia will look to strengthen security ties with Vanuatu.
Vanuatu described Australia as a “core” security partner after high-level talks on Monday. Both countries are now working toward an enhanced security dialogue that is anticipated to include more military, policing, and cyber security cooperation.
Senator Wong stated, “We have an interest in a Pacific that is economically stronger, in which sovereign decisions can be made, in which health and prosperity can be improved.
“As a member of the Pacific family, Australia has an ethical interest in that, as well as a regional interest in that.”
The Solomon Islands and China signed a security agreement earlier this year, but Vanuatu’s newly elected administration maintains that their country hasn’t discussed anything comparable with Beijing.
Frontbenchers from both political parties will be present at the official handover ceremony for a newly renovated wharf in Port Vila on Tuesday, which will allow Australian naval warships to berth there.
The former Coalition government’s Pacific step-up initiative started the redevelopment of the Mala Base Wharf, which can now house the Australian-donated Guardian-class patrol boat for Vanuatu as well as other incoming navy vessels.
The bipartisan group, which includes Michael McCormack from the opposition and Pat Conroy, the minister for international development and the Pacific, will go to Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia later this week.
China attempted failed earlier this year to reach an agreement with almost a dozen Pacific islands encompassing cooperation in law enforcement, security, and data communications.
