Vanuatu: Government pursues maximal assistance while attempting to maintain fragile diplomatic neutrality

On 27 March, China donated police equipment worth AUD$ 404,000 to the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) at the Vanuatu Mobile Force Cook Barracks. The equipment  includes 16 drones, 20 motorcycles, helmets, boots, waist belts, and handcuffs. Separately, on 26 March, the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu delivered a speech marking the 44th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in which he noted that China’s assistance to Vanuatu is “with no political strings attached,” and was “not directed against any third party.”

Assessment: Vanuatu almost certainly believes it can continue to accept aid from China while simultaneously pursuing the Nakamal Agreement with Australia. Rather than seeking geopolitical alignment, Vanuatu is highly likely seeking to maximise assistance from all donors while remaining diplomatically neutral. However,  the training and equipment donations mirror a similar pattern observed with China’s support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, where Chinese police officers now conduct integrated patrols, community outreach, and the development of new capabilities such as armed response and drug enforcement. It is almost certain China will pursue greater influence over VPF operations and development.

Sources: Doddy Morris, “VT40M China-funded drones and gear for VPF,” Daily Post, March 28, 2026; Doddy Morris, “China reaffirms ‘no strings attached’ support,” Daily Post, March 27, 2026; Jane Joshua, “China to donate over VT50M police equipment to Vanuatu,” Daily Post, September 23, 2025.