After nearly a year of tense talks, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu’s Jotham Napat finalized the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, a strategic pact that was significantly softened from an earlier draft. The deal requires Vanuatu to consult Australia before involving third parties in its ports, airports, and telecom networks, and to keep that infrastructure free from militarization or foreign interference—clauses widely seen as aimed at restricting Chinese investment. Albanese stated that the accord acknowledges Australia’s long-standing security role and cements it as the Pacific’s preferred security partner. The signing follows months of acrimony, including Vanuatu’s initial refusal over sovereignty concerns and ongoing competition with China, which is negotiating its own pact with the island nation.