Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra after months of delay. The pact blocks foreign military bases while balancing infrastructure scrutiny with Vanuatu's investment autonomy.

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a deal seen as a bid to check China's growing security presence in the region. But an economic deal between Vanuatu and China is still in the works.

CANBERRA: Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday (Jun 29) that bars the establishment of any foreign military base on the Pacific island.Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concer

CANBERRA: Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday (Jun 29) that bars the establishment of any foreign military base on the Pacific island.Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concer