Vanuatu and Australia have signed a security and economic treaty that prevents a foreign military base from being established in Vanuatu without consultation and agreement. The treaty makes Australia Vanuatu's preferred partner for policing and security cooperation and includes provisions concerning important infrastructure investments. Australian officials view the agreement as an important step in limiting the possibility of a future Chinese military presence in the South Pacific. Some critics argue that Vanuatu must ensure the treaty does not restrict its sovereignty or its ability to maintain economic relationships with China and other international partners.
