Australia and Vanuatu on Monday signed an economic and security agreement that consolidates Canberra's status as the Pacific island state's preferred security and policing partner.
The deal is the latest in a series that Australia has signed with Pacific island nations amid growing rivalry between China and US allies to gain a security presence in the region.
The agreement was to be signed last September, but Vanuatu delayed closing the deal amid concerns that it could restrict its ability to secure infrastructure funding from other countries.
What does the Australia-Vanuatu deal stipulate?
The so-called Nakamal Agreement enshrines a commitment by Australia to give greater economic support to Vanuatu, while stipulating that no foreign military base will be established in the latter country.
