Australia, Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign base on Pacific nation

CANBERRA — Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday that bars any foreign military base on the Pacific island. Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concern that Beijing is seeking a permanent security presence in the region. The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat in Canberra. READ: China eyes permanent military base in Pacific Ocean – report It commits Australia to greater economic support for Vanuatu, whose largest external creditor is China, […]... Keep on reading: Australia, Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign base on Pacific nation