Vanuatu and China Strengthen Policing Ties
Vanuatu is moving forward with a new policing agreement with China, a development that follows a recent high-level meeting and a substantial donation of law enforcement equipment. This initiative underscores China's continued support for the Pacific island nation, as confirmed by Chinese officials.
Vanuatu's Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Solomon Napuat, met with China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, in Beijing last week. During their discussions, China pledged its commitment to working with Vanuatu on key security initiatives, focusing on enhancing law enforcement cooperation and combating cross-border crimes.
As part of this deepening partnership, China will donate police equipment valued at over 3 million yuan (approximately NZ$720,000 or $422,000 USD) to Vanuatu's Police Force. The donated equipment includes:
- INTERPOL systems
- 20 motorcycles
- 20 drones
Minister Napuat emphasized that 'Climate change is the biggest security threat in Vanuatu' and clarified that the nation's interest lies in general policing and security issues rather than full militarization. He also stated that Vanuatu welcomes international partnerships while asserting its sovereignty, noting that China was the only partner with which Vanuatu had yet to formalize a policing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), similar to existing agreements with Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom.
Australian Security Deal Remains Unsigned
The progression of the Vanuatu-China policing agreement comes as a proposed security deal between Vanuatu and Australia, known as the Nakamal agreement, remains unsigned. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had aimed to finalize the AU$500 million (approximately $330 million USD) agreement during a visit to Port Vila earlier this month but departed without securing the pact.
The delay in signing the Australian deal was attributed to concerns within Vanuatu's ruling coalition that the agreement could restrict the nation's ability to secure infrastructure funding from other countries, particularly China. Minister Napuat clarified that the proposed MoU with China is distinct from the Nakamal Security Agreement under negotiation with Australia.
Geopolitical Context and Sovereignty
This development highlights the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific, where nations like Vanuatu are balancing relationships with major powers. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, reiterated that China's cooperation with Vanuatu is based on 'mutual respect, equal-footed consultation, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness'. Vanuatu's approach reflects its desire to maintain its non-alignment foreign policy and exercise its sovereignty in choosing international partners for its security and development needs.
5 Comments
Comandante
Vanuatu certainly has the right to choose its partners and the equipment is useful for local policing. However, one must wonder about the long-term geopolitical implications of deeper ties with Beijing, especially given the stalled Australian agreement.
Muchacho
Great to see Vanuatu asserting its sovereignty! They should choose who helps them.
Coccinella
Vanuatu is playing a dangerous game. China's 'aid' always comes with strings attached.
Ongania
Practical aid from China for real policing needs. Much better than vague security pacts.
Fuerza
It's understandable that Vanuatu wants to avoid being constrained by any single security agreement, especially if it limits their funding options. Yet, prioritizing immediate policing needs over a more comprehensive security pact with a traditional ally could leave them vulnerable in other ways.