June 29 — Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a routine briefing that
Australia and Vanuatu signed an economic and security cooperation agreement
today that bars establishment of foreign military bases on Vanuatu territory.
Guo noted Australian officials had earlier expressed concern that China may be
seeking to expand a security presence in the region, including Vanuatu. He said
China pursues pragmatic cooperation with Pacific island countries, including
Vanuatu, based on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and openness, and
urged that external cooperation with Pacific islands should genuinely support
their development and stability, should not target third parties and should not
be used for geopolitical rivalry.
