Vanuatu’s New PM to Revisit Security Pact with Australia, Raising Concerns Over China’s Influence

Vanuatu’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, has announced intentions to review a security pact with Australia, raising concerns over China’s influence. The security pact, signed by the two countries in December, played a significant role in the ousting of the former leader, Ishmael Kalsakau. Opposition lawmakers believed that the pact compromised Vanuatu’s neutral stance and could potentially jeopardize development assistance from China, its largest external creditor. Speaking to the Australian state broadcaster ABC, Kilman stated that the agreement, in its current form, is unlikely to be approved by parliament. He emphasized the need for consultation and expressed a desire to revisit the agreement with both Australia and the Vanuatu government to address any contentious issues. Kilman’s decision comes amidst growing competition for influence in the Pacific region between the United States and China, with the US and its allies, including Australia, discouraging Pacific countries from establishing security ties with China. Notably, Kilman, who has served as Prime Minister on multiple occasions, had previously pledged closer cooperation with China during his previous stints as leader. His opponent, Kalsakau, aimed to expand Vanuatu’s international ties following his election victory in November. The repercussions of the review on Australia-Vanuatu relations, China’s involvement in the region, and the overall geopolitical dynamics between major powers remain to be seen.