Australia Signs Security Deal With Nauru
Australia on Monday announced that it signed a security deal with Nauru, countering Beijing's influence in the Pacific island nation months after Nauru severed ties with Taiwan and recognized China.
Facts
- Australia on Monday announced that it signed a security deal with Nauru, countering Beijing's influence in the Pacific island nation months after Nauru severed ties with Taiwan and recognized China.[1][2]
- The deal, signed by Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Nauruan Pres. David Adeang, ensures critical banking and financial system continuity in Nauru. The $140M treaty also gives Canberra veto powers over Nauru's security decisions.[3][4]
- Over five years, Australia will provide Nauru a budgetary support of Australian $100M (US $64M) and Australian $40M (US $26M) for policing and security.[5][6]
- Adeang said that the deal would give his country a "vital" economic boost, while Albanese asserted it would make the region "stronger" and "safer."[7][8]
- The deal requires the two nations to first agree to any external engagement in Nauru's security, banking, telecom, and other critical infrastructure sectors.[4][9]
- The treaty, to be brought into force in 2025, is in contrast to other deals inked by China in the region. Beijing has pursued security and policing deals with nations like the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.[5][7]
Sources: [1]The Canberra Times, [2]Washington Post (a), [3]ABC, [4]Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, [5]Prime Minister of Australia, [6]Washington Post (b), [7]South China Morning Post, [8]AU and [9]Central Western Daily.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Herald Sun and The Nightly. This landmark treaty is a strategic masterstroke, decisively blocking China's Pacific expansion by providing Nauru with massive economic and security support. By securing veto powers over Nauru's critical infrastructure and banking sectors, Australia is reinforcing its commitment to countering Beijing's influence in Oceania.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Conversation. Although this treaty appears to be a checkmate to growing Chinese influence, it's premature to declare victory. Geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific remain fluid, and Beijing's strategic patience and economic allure could still yield long-term diplomatic dividends as the nations of Oceania consider their roles in a multipolar world.
