Australia-Vanuatu deal bars foreign bases in island nation

AI Summary

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a security-related deal to prevent foreign military bases in Vanuatu, seen as a strategic move to counter China's growing influence. Meanwhile, economic talks between Vanuatu and China continue separately.

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a deal seen as a bid to check China's growing security presence in the region. But an economic deal between Vanuatu and China is still in the works.