Nakamal Agreement: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the revised Nakamal security pact in Canberra, with a watered-down $500m package and tighter language around sovereignty—Port Vila will consult Australia on any proposed third-party engagement in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure, which must stay free from militarisation, foreign interference and unauthorised access. China watch: The deal lands amid ongoing Pacific rivalry, with China also pursuing a Vanuatu security track (the Namele Agreement) and Beijing previously funding wharf expansion in Luganville—once linked to cruise claims. Tourism strategy push: Vanuatu Tourism Office launched its 2026–2028 Tourism Marketing Strategy at the 3rd Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum in Port Vila, aiming to shift from recovery to sustainable growth and target 120,000 overnight arrivals by end-2026 and 150,000 annual visitors by 2028, with a focus on lifeline markets, aviation and cruise connectivity. Blue Pacific connectivity: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to strengthen correspondent banking links—key for tourism payments, trade and remittances—under the Pacific Strengthening CBR project. Scam warning: A Pacific-wide rise in online scam centres is flagged as a growing security threat, often tied to coercion and forced labour.