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China and the West Contest the Pacific
Australia and its partners keep racing to lock in security commitments from Pacific island states while China counters with investment, an open-ended contest for strategic access across the region.
forming · confidence 40 · Emerging (watchlist) · tracking since June 29, 2026 · updated June 29, 2026
Why the conviction moved
- Jun 29Strengthened +5
Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement barring any foreign military base on the island nation, a move Beijing views with concern.
Source trail
Supporting · June 29, 2026
Australia and Vanuatu Sign Pact That Blocks Foreign Military Bases
Australia and Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement barring any foreign military base on the island nation, a move Beijing views with concern.
Al Jazeera
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