New Zealand & Vanuatu

New Zealand: Vanuatu agrees to prioritize New Zealand, along with Australia and France, in response to major natural disasters, indicating a strengthened regional cooperation.

Vanuatu: Vanuatu signed the Nakamal Agreement with Australia, agreeing not to host foreign military bases and to consult Australia on critical infrastructure. This secures development aid and strengthens its relationship with Australia, while still pursuing a development cooperation deal with China.

New Zealand: New Zealand is one of Australia's treaty-bound allies and has expressed interest in joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance, indicating potential for broader regional security cooperation.

Vanuatu: Vanuatu signed a sweeping security agreement with Australia that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific nation, further strengthening Australia's regional security network.

New Zealand: New Zealand's government is proposing a law change, the Climate Change Response (Tort Liability) Amendment Bill, which would prevent companies from being sued for climate change damages, potentially weakening its international climate commitments.

Vanuatu: Vanuatu initiated the request for an advisory opinion from the International — International Criminal Court on states' legal obligations regarding climate change, which New Zealand supported.