Vanuatu: China’s relief assistance delayed and unresponsive to local needs

On 2 January, China delivered relief items to Vanuatu following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December. Items included tents, foldable beds, water purification equipment, solar lamps, emergency food, and medical materials. The Chinese Ambassador announced that the Chinese Government pledged $USD1 million in emergency assistance to strengthen Vanuatu’s response and reconstruction efforts. Four Chinese engineering experts also arrived at Vanuatu’s request.

Assessment: Several countries including France, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and New Zealand sent relief items in the days immediately following the earthquake. By comparison, China’s relief was significantly slower, arriving 16 days after the earthquake. Furthermore, most relief items were  more appropriate for the immediate response phase rather than long-term recovery Vanuatu is now focused on. This lack of responsiveness likely indicates China’s lowered prioritisation of Vanuatu as a South Pacific ally. Li Minggang’s actions have been largely focused on Chinese nationals affected by the earthquake rather than wider international or domestic efforts.

Sources: “China Sends Emergency Aid to Vanuatu Following Devastating Earthquake,” Fiji Sun, January 3, 2025; “China Delivers Emergency Relief Supplies to Vanuatu,” ReliefWeb, January 2, 2025.