Australia and Vanuatu finalized the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, nearly a year after Vanuatu's prime minister withdrew from an earlier signing over sovereignty concerns. The revised pact, which both governments approved after months of tense talks, requires Vanuatu to consult Australia before involving outside parties in its ports, airports, and telecommunications—provisions originally designed to limit Chinese influence. Anthony Albanese described the deal as a balanced arrangement that would safeguard shared and national security interests, along with each country's sovereignty. The agreement designates Australia as Vanuatu's primary policing partner and prioritizes Pacific Island Forum members and nearby nations for disaster response. Meanwhile, Vanuatu continues pursuing its own security pact with Beijing, which has not yet been signed amid ongoing competition for regional influence.