Pacifica stories

Jun 29, 2026

Australia and Vanuatu sign security deal blocking foreign military bases

Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific nation. The deal is widely seen as aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the region.

Jun 29, 2026·5 sources

May 12, 2026

US and Partner Nations Sink Two Decommissioned Ships in Major Pacific Exercise

During Exercise Balikatan, US, Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces conducted a two-day strike operation that sank two decommissioned vessels using land, sea and air platforms, demonstrating coordinated military capabilities.

May 12, 2026·2 sources

Top claims

▪The Nakamal Agreement elevates assistance in police training and equipment, policing, maritime security, cybersecurity, intelligence cooperation, and infrastructure between Australia and Vanuatu.
▪The Nakamal Agreement does not stop Vanuatu partnering with China on infrastructure, but requires the Pacific nation to consult Australia when it engages a third-party.
▪The Nakamal Agreement commits Vanuatu to keeping its critical infrastructure free from militarization.

Topics

Defense & military alliances China global influence & soft power U.S–China relations

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