Vanuatu PM calls for stronger US-Pacific pact amid China tensions, aid concerns

Vanuatu's new government says security, economic improvement, and strengthened foreign relations are key components for the country’s future.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat, in office for just 48 days, says Donald Trump's rejection of the Paris Agreement and cuts to the United States' foreign aid are a concern.

Napat insists that Washington needs to step up its engagement rather than retreat.

During his inaugural speech to parliament, the prime minister singles out the US as a key partner, saying he hopes Trump will consider boosting American presence in the Pacific.

“Vanuatu is looking forward to developing a strong partnership with the United States based on shared and common values and principles,” Napat says.

Despite this, he reaffirms Vanuatu’s commitment to non-alignment, adding that the nation will “continue to develop friendly and balanced relations with regions and nations around the world, without compromising our sovereignty”.

One important Pacific partner is Australia, which pledges to remain the largest aid donor in the region.

Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for International Development, visits Port Vila to hold security talks with Napat.

After their discussions, Conroy assures the media that Canberra is reviewing the potential impacts of Trump's foreign aid cuts on the Pacific.

Pat Conroy, Australia’s Minister for International Development, visits Port Vila and holds talks with PM Jotham Napat. Photo/Pat Conroy/X

"Australia will always be there for you," Conroy says as he pledges another AU$3.2 million (NZ$3.5m) in direct budget support for Vanuatu after an earthquake in December kills 16 people and causes widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and telecommunications.

"There is geostrategic competition occurring in the Pacific as great powers get interested in our region, but we are proud to be the biggest development partner.”

A recent Lowy Institute report reveals that China is the second-largest bilateral donor to the Pacific.

While American officials express concern over China's growing influence, the Pacific island nations worry that Trump's aid cuts may adversely affect them.

In recent years, Vanuatu has strengthened its ties with China, becoming its largest external creditor through infrastructure loans, including financing for a new president's office.

The Chinese navy, having recently conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea and raising tensions with Australia and New Zealand, visits Vanuatu, which also benefits from China’s investment in a port expansion.

Australia has announced more funding of US$3.1 million (NZ$5.5m) to support Vanuatu’s recovery efforts from a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 17 December. Photo/Supplied

A security treaty between Vanuatu and Australia in 2022 remains unratified by Vanuatu's parliament, which has faced political instability. Napat is the fourth prime minister since 2022.

Napat says discussions with Conroy centre on economic cooperation and security with Australia, fully aware of Trump’s “America First” position.

Napat says that US engagement in the Pacific has declined over recent years.

The long-awaited opening of the first US embassy in Port Vila suffers a major setback when the building collapses during the December earthquake that devastates the capital.

The USAID-funded programme in the Pacific, which focuses on government transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption, serves many island nations, including Vanuatu.

The Trump administration has paused projects like the USAID, casting a pessimistic outlook from regional leaders and commentators.

Vanuatu's government is urging US President Donald Trump to consider boosting American presence in the Pacific. Photo/Supplied

The Vanuatu-US ship rider agreement with the US Coast Guard, active since 2016, continues to play a crucial role in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Last May, the operation discovers six Chinese-registered vessels violating Vanuatu’s fisheries laws.

Napat’s coalition cabinet is packed with prominent figures who bring extensive experience. One of them is Ralph Regenvanu, president of the Graon mo Jastis Pati. He is the most senior member in Vanuatu’s parliament, serving his sixth political term and returning for a second term as Minister of Climate Change.

Johnny Koanapo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and president of the Vanua’aku Pati, is a career diplomat. Among Koanapo’s achievements is securing labour mobility access for ni-Vanuatu workers to Aotearoa and Australia, negotiating multiple cooperation agreements with China and other partners, and finalising the maritime boundary agreement with the Solomon Islands.

He also champions the establishment of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat in Port Vila in 2008.

Vanuatu leaders say while the Pacific people are resilient, there is not enough money to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and that funding is difficult to access. Photo/Supplied

Foreign Minister Marc Ati, of the Iauko Group Party, returns for a second term, although he tends to focus more on external trade than international prominence.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Solomon Napuat, works to improve Vanuatu’s international reputation.

The controversial golden passport scheme, which cost Vanuatu citizens their visa-free access to the European Union and the United Kingdom, faces renewed scrutiny over alleged sales of diplomatic passports.

Charlot Salwai, the former prime minister, is on the government backbench. While he is no longer interested in the top job, he is still an expert in foreign relations - credited with strengthening ties with China, New Caledonia, and France.

One thing is clear from Vanuatu’s new Napat-led coalition government - it promises to be a vocal international performer.

While some might view the US-Vanuatu relationship as conflicting with Napat’s claim of a non-alignment policy, it serves as a friendly nudge for a diplomatic partner to engage more actively rather than retreat.