Australia’s Security Pacts With Vanuatu and PNG Stalled Due to Sovereignty Concerns

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles speaks to the media duing a press conference after the release of the Defence Strategic Review at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on April 24, 2023. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Pacific nations Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are delaying the finalisation of their security pacts with Australia due to fears the deal would encroach on their sovereignty, the Pacific nations have said.

During a visit by Defence Minister Richard Marles on June 6, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau said the bilateral security agreement signed with Australia in December 2022 was still being examined and will be put forward to the parliament by the end of this year.