Vanuatu open to signing deal with Australia but will not be subject to ‘bullying’ from larger countries

Country moves to deepen policing ties with China as Australia continues negotiations on Nakamal agreement, which was not signed last month as hoped

Vanuatu remains open to signing a wide-ranging deal with Australia but must assert its sovereignty and will not be subject to pressure or bullying" from larger countries, the country's internal affairs minister, Andrew Napuat, said.

Australia failed to seal the $500m Nakamal agreement in Port Vila last month amid concerns from Vanuatu that it would block other countries providing infrastructure funding. Weeks later, Vanuatu said it planned to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen policing cooperation with China.