Australia and Vanuatu sign deal barring foreign military bases on Pacific island

Australia and Vanuatu have signed an agreement barring any foreign military base from being established on the Pacific island nation. The deal comes as China has deepened its presence in the region — Beijing formed policing ties with Vanuatu in 2023 and donated drones, patrol boats and vehicles to its police force. The agreement is seen as a strategic move by Australia to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific.