Vanuatu: Government takes measures to ensure sovereignty before signing Nakamal Agreement
On 17 November, Prime Minister Napat sought to clarify details around amendments passed to the National Security Amendment Act 2025. One clause seeks to limit foreign security advisors from permanently working in government locations, they must be stationed at embassies or “neutral locations” and require ministerial authorisation before accessing government locations. According to one media article, PM Napat specifically stated this clause was to block Australian and Chinese officials from Vanuatu’s Police HQ. The second seeks to bar critical infrastructure including physical and digital systems and assets from serving a military purpose. PM Napat stated the aim was to ensure its neutrality and sovereignty amid heightened geostrategic competition in the country.
Assessment: It is highly likely that the national security legislation is designed to alter provisions of the Nakamal Agreement with Australia and allow for continued Chinese investment. A similar agreement between Australia and Nauru gives Australia veto over decisions affecting Nauru’s critical infrastructure. Vanuatu is now highly likely to argue that similar clauses are not necessary in Nakamal due to its existing legislation limiting military use - allowing for continued Chinese investment. PM Napat’s statement that both Australian and Chinese advisors will be barred from permanent workplaces in government security establishments almost certainly indicates that Vanuatu is attempting to balance continued assistance offers from both sides, rather than making changes to directly benefit one side - from the perspective of Vanuatu’s leaders. Further negotiations and amendments to the Nakamal Agreement are highly likely from both Vanuatu and Australia and a final agreement is unlikely prior to the end of 2025.
Sources: Prime Minister’s Office, Vanuatu, “Vanuatu Strengthens Sovereignty with National Security Amendments,” November 17 2025, accessed November 18 2025; Stephen Dziedzic and Lillyrose Welwel, “Vanuatu Flags Expulsion of Foreign Advisers from Government Buildings as Nakamal Agreement Hangs in Balance,” ABC News, November 14 2025, accessed November 18 2025; Hilaire Bule, “PM Sets Record Straight on Foreign Adviser Access,” Vanuatu Daily Post, November 18, 2025.
