Vanuatu Plans to Reduce Chinese Police Presence
The nation shifts its security focus toward a decade-long partnership agreement with Australia.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
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Vanuatu plans to scale back its police cooperation with China as it strengthens security ties with Australia. The commitment is part of a broader regional security framework.
Why it matters
The shift aims to address Australian concerns regarding regional security dynamics in the Pacific. It marks a significant pivot in Vanuatu's international security partnerships.
The Nakamal Agreement represents a $500 million commitment spanning 10 years. This deal is designed to standardize security services across the region without an expiry date.
The players
Jotham Napat
He is the Prime Minister of Vanuatu who signed the security agreement with Australia.
Anthony Albanese
He is the Prime Minister of Australia who finalized the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra.
The details
Vanuatu is prioritizing a security framework established with Australia and other Pacific Islands Forum members. This move is designed to transition away from the current time-limited policing arrangement that the nation maintains with China.
Timeline
In June 2026, Vanuatu and Australia signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra.
On October 18, 2026, the two nations issued a joint statement regarding the security commitment.
Travel Outlook
This pivot aligns Vanuatu with the broader Pacific Islands Forum security framework, which emphasizes regional cooperation over external bilateral deals. These shifts reflect ongoing adjustments to tourism and diplomatic transit policies throughout the region.
Travelers should not expect immediate changes to local transit or daily tourism activities during this policy transition. The agreement primarily concerns high-level security infrastructure and diplomatic relations rather than tourist access.
The takeaway
Diplomatic shifts of this scale highlight the evolving security landscape for nations across the Pacific. Travelers and business visitors can expect continued stability as these regional partnerships solidify over the next decade.
Further reading
For more background on regional security and tourism, see our Australia and New Zealand section.
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