Vanuatu: China grant very likely an incentive to delay the Nakamal Agreement

On 6 November, Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Chinese Ambassador Li Minggang signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which China granted $AUD85.36 million to renovate public buildings damaged during Vanuatu’s December 2024 earthquake. Buildings include the Prime Minister’s Office complex, Korman Stadium, the Parliament complex, Malapoa College, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. PM Napat stated that China has contracted China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Ltd for the renovations. 

Assessment: China’s grant to Vanuatu comes nearly a year after the December 2024 earthquake. The timing of the grant, amid Australia’s push for the bilateral Nakamal security agreement, is highly likely a deliberate effort to assert influence and delay Australia’s initiative.

Sources: Nicholas Mwai, “China funds VT6.8B repair of quake-damaged PMO, Parliament, Malapoa College and more,” Daily Post, November 7, 2025; “Pacific news in brief for 10 November,” RNZ, November 10, 2025.