Nauru and Australia have signed a bilateral security treaty granting Australia the authority to veto any foreign military presence in Nauru. In return, Australia has pledged AU$140 million in financial support over the next five years, with AU$100 million allocated to Nauru’s national budget and AU$40 million dedicated to enhancing policing, security, and infrastructure. This agreement is viewed as a strategic measure to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.
This treaty aligns with Australia’s broader regional security strategy, aiming to prevent foreign military expansion in the Pacific. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised the importance of the agreement, saying, “This agreement reinforces our deep and longstanding relationship with Nauru. It ensures that security in the Pacific remains a priority for both our nations.”
For Nauru, the financial assistance provides essential support for economic stability. The island nation, heavily reliant on Australian aid, has faced challenges in diversifying its economy. However, the treaty also limits Nauru’s ability to engage in independent defence or security partnerships with other countries. Observers suggest that this agreement may influence how other Pacific nations navigate their foreign relations amid increasing strategic competition in the region.
In addition to the security pact, Australia has extended its support for Nauru Airlines until October 2025. This extension aims to strengthen the ‘Australia-North Pacific Connector’ route, a weekly service connecting Brisbane to Nauru, Tarawa, Majuro, Pohnpei, and Palau. Nauru Airlines CEO Brett Gebers highlighted the significance of this support, stating, “Air services that connect Pacific Islands countries with an important partner like Australia are crucial to the economic development of the region.
The Australian government’s backing underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity and economic growth in the Pacific. By facilitating trade, tourism, and business opportunities, these air links play a vital role in the region’s development. The partnership between Nauru Airlines and Australia exemplifies collaborative efforts to promote regional prosperity.
