Australia, Vanuatu sign delayed security deal that is seen as curbing China

SYDNEY, June 29 (Reuters) – Australia and Vanuatu on Monday signed a development and security pact that had been delayed ?for months over Vanuatu’s concerns that it could stifle ?investment from other countries. Australia, which is in a battle for influence in the Pacific with China, will be consulted on any third-party ?investment in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure and remain the country’s ?preferred security and policing partner. Sign up here. Canberra has previously unveiled funding ?of A$500 million ($344.50 million) over 10 years for the ?pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement. “It encapsulates Vanuatu’s sovereign decision ?not to permit its territory…