Overview

• Vanuatu’s police minister, Andrew Napuat, said after meetings in Beijing that the government is pursuing a policing memorandum with China and that the draft is nearing final review on Vanuatu’s side.
• He publicly told Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy to get his facts correct, stressing the plan reflects a collective government decision rather than a unilateral move.
• Napuat said the agreement is intended to set rules of engagement for current activities and would not normalize any permanent presence of Chinese police.
• He said China has agreed to donate equipment to Vanuatu’s police, including drones and motorcycles, and that Australia was kept informed of the discussions.
• Australia maintains there is no role for a Chinese security presence in the Pacific and is advancing pacts that limit Beijing’s access, as talks to salvage the A$500 million Nakamal agreement with Vanuatu continue.