Albanese went to Vanuatu to sign a $500m agreement – but leaves empty-handed thanks to concerns about China

Vanuatu’s PM says ‘more discussions’ needed on Nakamal agreement due to concerns over his nation’s ability to seek infrastructure funding from other countries

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The federal government is racing to save a major new agreement with Vanuatu, after Anthony Albanese’s plans to sign the deal were rebuffed over concerns about infrastructure funding from China.

Speaking alongside Vanuatu’s prime minister, Jotham Napat, on Tuesday, Albanese said he was confident the Nakamal agreement will be “able to be signed soon”, talking up cooperation and proper process with Vanuatu’s governing coalition.