Australia vies for Pacific influence with new security deal

The new security pact covers humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, law enforcement, cyber security, defence, border security and maritime safety.

Australia has signed a new security deal with Oceania island country Vanuatu as part of an ongoing competition with China for influence in the Pacific.

The new security pact covers humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, law enforcement, cyber security, defence, border security and maritime safety. The full text of the agreement has yet to be released.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure that our sovereign decisions enhance the security of all members of the Pacific and we’re deeply proud to be the Vanuatu principal security partner of choice,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told reporters on December 13 in the capital of Port Vila.

Earlier this year, China signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands, raising alarm in the South Pacific that it could lead to a military buildup. China also tried unsuccessfully to have 10 Pacific nations sign a sweeping deal covering everything from security to fisheries.

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Australia has been countering China's moves with its own Pacific island-hopping diplomatic missions. Ms. Wong said decisions about how Pacific countries wish to engage with Australia, the level of cooperation they seek, and what they choose to prioritise, are all issues for each individual nation.

The delegation led by Ms. Wong also took part in a handover of a new wharf and a police boat. The wharf was built as part of Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Programme.