China has warned Australia’s deeper ties with Vanuatu should not “be used as an excuse for geopolitical contest” after the two countries signed a landmark strategic deal following months of negotiations. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Anthony Albanese inked the Nakamal Agreement on Monday, 10 months after a planned signing ceremony in Port Vila collapsed over Vanuatu’s concerns for its sovereignty.The finalised deal, described by Mr Albanese as a “balanced one”, says Vanuatu will “consult Australia on proposed third party engagement” in the country’s critical infrastructure. The agreement stipulates this infrastructure should remain “free from militarisation, any form of foreign interference or unauthorised access”.Vanuatu has also recognised Australia as its primary policing partner, as per the agreement. It follows China’s efforts to expand its training of local police forces in the Pacific and sign its own strategic pact with Vanuatu – the Namele Agreement – though Mr Napat has rebuffed claims this co-operation would amount to a security deal. Asked about the Nakamal Agreement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China hoped the co-operation would “be truly conducive to the development and stability of the Pacific Islands region”. “The co-operation should not target any third party, still less be used as an excuse for geopolitical contest,” he said. However, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told ABC News Breakfast that Australia was “in a permanent contest” for influence in the Pacific. She described the Nakamal Agreement as a “transformational breakthrough” in Australia’s relationships with its regional neighbours, flagging similar deals were on the horizon.“There will be more to come and that’s because we are determined to continue to engage and to formalise our arrangements and relationships with the countries of the Pacific,” Senator Wong said. Vanuatu has also pledged to release details of its agreement with China, once signed, to Australia. “We will share the agreement. There’s nothing to hide. Our government is transparent,” Mr Napat said.Asked if China would consent to the details being released, Mr Guo said China’s dealings with Vanuatu were “based on mutual respect, equal consultation, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness”. “China will, in light of the aspirations and needs of Vanuatu, continue expanding friendly exchanges and co-operation in various fields to the benefit of our two countries and peoples,” he said. Mr Guo described China’s co-operation with Pacific nations as “fair and square”. “Our co-operation is not imposed on anyone, nor does it target any third party, and has been sincerely received by the people in the region,” he said. “China always handles the documents on bilateral co-operation with Pacific island nations on the basis of friendly consultation.”Read related topics:China