In brief
In a strategic move against rising Chinese influence in the Pacific, Australia signed a significant treaty with Nauru on December 10, 2024. The agreement, aimed at strengthening Australia’s partnerships in the region, mandates that Nauru consult with Australia prior to entering security-related agreements, particularly in sectors like telecommunications and cybersecurity.
This five-year deal, revealed in Canberra during a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Nauru President David Adeang, outlines a provision for Australia to provide aid amounting to 140 million Australian dollars (around $90 million) to support Nauru’s economy, which consists of approximately 13,000 residents and a GDP of $150 million.Experts view this agreement as a countermeasure to deter Chinese efforts to establish a foothold in the Pacific. Meg Keen, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, emphasized that the deal aims to “lock out China from engagement in the security sector, in particular policing and military.” The strategic importance of this agreement has been underscored by recent developments in the region, particularly the 2022 security pact between China and the Solomon Islands, which alarmed both Australian and American officials due to the potential for a Chinese military presence closer to Australia.As China expands its footprint in the Pacific through developmental aid and security proposals, Australia’s commitment to bolster its influence through such pacts with neighboring nations like Nauru marks a significant turn in regional diplomacy.
