Australia to Gain Veto Power Over Pacific Island’s External Security Deals

The deal will cost Australia $100 million to support Nauru’s struggling budget, and an extra $40 million for policing and security.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured during the group photo after attending the meeting on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition at the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 19, 2024. Mauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Images

Australia will gain significant oversight of Nauru’s security agreements under a new treaty aimed at bolstering the Pacific nation’s security and economy amid ongoing competition from Beijing.

Under the pact, over a five year period, Australia will provide $100 million (US$63.8 million) to support the tiny Pacific Island’s government budget, and an extra $40 million for policing and security.