Vanuatu, Australia ink deal to bar foreign military bases in Pacific nation

Canberra uses immigration stick as 'leverage' to finalize deal, critic says

Prime Minister Jotham Napat of Vanuatu, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pose after signing the Nakamal Agreement at Parliament House in Canberra on June 29.  © LUKAS COCH, AAP Image

SYDNEY -- Vanuatu and Australia on Monday signed a revised strategic agreement that would ensure the Pacific island nation won't be used as a military base for foreign countries, including China.