Vanuatu: Prime Minister Napat leverages the Nakamal Agreement re-signing to Vanuatu’s interest

Around 8 July, a media report stated that Prime Minister Jotham Napat expects Australia to give Vanuatu citizens visa-free access before he re-signs the Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement. The Agreement, which covers development, security, and trade, was initially agreed to by one of PM Napat’s predecessors with Australia in September 2022. Foreign Minister Wong has made no statements in response. Separately, the French Ambassador to Vanuatu, Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, announced France’s commitment to fund a VT2.5 billion ($NZD35 million) submarine cable connecting Vanuatu to New Caledonia. The project will support  climate change monitoring and provide tsunami early warning.

Assessment: PM Napat is leveraging Australia’s wider efforts to gain and maintain influence in the South Pacific to secure a better deal for Vanuatu. Vanuatu’s actions are unlikely to be influenced by China. Recently, other Pacific Island leaders have similarly asked Australia to ease its visa regime. In addition to improving disaster response, France is almost certainly using the submarine cable project to expand New Caledonia’s diplomatic relations in the Pacific (see SPI#19 of 10-23 April).

Sources: Teuila Fuatai, “Vanuatu seeks visa-free access to Australia before renewing strategic pact,” RNZ, July 10, 2025; Doddy Morris, “France commits VT2.5 billion to SMART submarine cable linking Vanuatu and New Caledonia,” Daily Post, July 16, 2025; “Australia - Vanuatu engagement,” Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.