Australia seeks to block China with Nauru security deal – DW – 12/09/2024
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The new treaty comes as Australia seeks to counter China's rising power in the Pacific. It prevents third countries from making security and critical infrastructure deals with Nauru.

Summary

Australia and Nauru signed a security treaty requiring Nauru to consult Canberra before entering security or infrastructure agreements with other nations, effectively limiting Chinese influence.

In return, Australia will provide AUD 100 million over five years and ensure banking access for the island nation, addressing issues caused by Western banks withdrawing.

The treaty follows China’s increasing presence in the Pacific, including agreements with Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, and Nauru’s recent shift from Taiwan to China diplomatically.

Australia frames the deal as bolstering regional security and stability.

  • Flying SquidMEnglish
    2•10 days ago

    The article doesn’t really make it clear what’s strategically important about having a security deal with Nauru.

    I mean it looks like it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere and could easily just be avoided by the Chinese military or their expansionist plans.

    • @[email protected]OPEnglish
      5•10 days ago

      Because China wants to dominate this region and recently signed a secret military pact with the Solomon Islands, for example:

      China’s influence increased significantly during the term of Manele’s predecessor, with the country switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China and striking a secretive security pact that has raised fears of China’s security forces gaining a foothold in the region long dominated by the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

      …

      The security pact has raised concerns of a Chinese naval presence in the region and the basing of ground troops that could challenge other countries’ access to the region that lies close to Australia and over which Japan and the U.S. fought savage battles during World War II.

      https://apnews.com/article/china-solomon-islands-us-taiwan-pacific-dc2e984ec5045060524c644ebf62b910

    • @[email protected]English
      3•10 days ago

      I would imagine they’re going to pursue similar deals with the other island nations in the area, then possibly start building military ties & bases.