Australia, Nauru boost security, economic ties with new accord
Reuters
Australia and Nauru finalized an economic and security treaty in December 2024, with Canberra pledging $64 million in direct budget support over five years and $26 million to boost security in the Blue Pacific nation.
The agreement effectively blocks the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from forming police ties with Nauru, giving Australia a veto over Chinese involvement in the island nation’s security, banking and telecommunications. It follows Canberra’s similar accord with the Blue Pacific nation of Tuvalu.
Concern about Beijing’s ambitions in the vast region grew after the Solomon Islands signed a secretive security deal with the PRC in 2022. In September 2024, the PRC test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean. A Chinese space-tracking vessel was sailing northwest of Nauru at the time of the launch.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles announced in early December 2024 that his nation had for the first time test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile under a plan to boost deterrence through long-range strike capabilities. The missile, with an extended range of 2,500 kilometers, was fired off the west coast of the United States.
Under the treaty, Nauru must gain agreement from Australia before Chinese Communist Party military vessels use its main port, recently upgraded by a Chinese state-owned company.
The deal prevents third countries from accessing Nauru’s critical infrastructure for security purposes, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Nauru President David Adeang said at a news conference.
It “will strengthen Nauru’s longer-term stability and economic resilience,” Albanese said. “It is also firmly in Australia’s interests in a peaceful, secure and economically resilient Pacific region.”
Nauru, the world’s third-smallest country by area, switched diplomatic ties from self-governed Taiwan to the PRC in January 2024. Albanese said Australia will remain Nauru’s primary security partner, pledging additional investments for policing and national security.
“We appreciate Australia’s steadfast support as we try to address our unique development challenges while we continue diversifying our economy, exploring innovative opportunities, and safeguarding our region’s peace and stability,” Adeang said.
