Australia has signed a five-year agreement with Nauru to provide financial and infrastructure support, aiming to strengthen its influence in the Pacific. In return, Nauru has pledged to consult Australia before entering security agreements, particularly with China.
The deal, valued at 140 million Australian dollars, includes support in areas like banking, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. It also restricts Nauru from allowing foreign powers to use its critical infrastructure for security purposes.
This agreement comes amid growing concerns over China’s expanding presence in the Pacific, particularly after its security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022. Australia seeks to limit China’s influence in the region through strategic partnerships like this one.