Australia’s push to lock in security deals with neighbouring Pacific nations has hit further trouble after Vanuatu signalled it’s ready to increase policing cooperation with Beijing. Mr Napuat also insisted the proposed MOU with China would not be the same as the $500m Nakamal Security Agreement still being negotiated with the Albanese government. “Mr Albanese has been so focused on formally recognising a state partially run by terrorists that he has dropped the ball in our region,” Senator Cash told The Nightly. “It is extremely regrettable that Mr Albanese has been unable to get expected deals signed with both Vanuatu and PNG. Credit: X/Penny Wong / suppliedIn 2019 the then Labor opposition heavily criticised the former Morrison government’s failures on Pacific diplomacy after the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China.