Police arrangement with China ‘expected to reduce over time,’ says Vanuatu after pact with Australia

By Faisal Mahmud

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Vanuatu has said its policing arrangement with China is “expected to reduce over time,” reaffirming Australia as its primary policing partner.

The statement followed the signing of the Nakamal Agreement by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat in Canberra on June 29, covering security, economic and development cooperation.

Vanuatu clarified its position during the inaugural Nakamal Committee meeting at Parliament House in Canberra on Oct. 15, according to a joint statement issued Monday by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation about 1,750 kilometers (1,087 miles) east of Australia, said its policing arrangement with China was time-limited, while the agreement with Australia was legally binding and had no expiry date.

It also pledged to prioritize policing requests from Pacific Islands Forum members.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Pacific Minister Pat Conroy attended the committee meeting with Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo.

Vanuatu has maintained policing cooperation with China since 2023, including police training, advisers and equipment donations.

In September 2025, Vanuatu announced plans for a formal policing memorandum with Beijing following talks between their security ministers.

The proposed arrangement covered police training, equipment, cybercrime, transnational crime and general law enforcement.

However, a signing date for the memorandum has not been independently confirmed.

China failed to secure a region-wide security agreement with Pacific island nations in May 2022 but has pursued bilateral policing arrangements, including with the Solomon Islands and Fiji.