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The Straits Times (9 September 2025)

Vanuatu delayed a landmark security and development agreement with Australia because of concerns it could limit the Pacific island nation receiving infrastructure funding from other countries, Prime Minister Jotham Napat said on Sept 9.

The Vanuatu deal is one of two major security agreements Australia had expected to sign with Pacific island neighbours in September, as Canberra seeks to block China from expanding its security presence in the region.

Mr Napat met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Port Vila on Sept 9, where the two leaders had been expected to sign the Nakamal Agreement, after it was initialled by ministers in a ceremony on the side of a volcano in August.

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