Chinese state tabloid; provides Beijing's narrative framing this as Australian encirclement, not Pacific stability

The Global Times frames the Nakamal Agreement as Canberra weaponising development aid to extend AUKUS-era pressure into the South Pacific, arguing the infrastructure consultation clause effectively gives Australia a veto over Vanuatu-China deals. The piece quotes unnamed analysts calling the pact 'a new front in containment'.

“The deal is plainly designed to keep China out of Vanuatu's critical infrastructure under the guise of security cooperation.”