Investigating Nauru's Business Agreement with a Chinese Corporation in Australia
Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation with a population of 12,500, has found itself under scrutiny following an investigation into its compliance with a security pact with Australia. The controversy stems from a lucrative economic development agreement Nauru signed last week with China Rural Revitalization and Development Corp.
Last December, Australia and Nauru announced a landmark security treaty aimed at blunting China's growing regional influence. The treaty, according to Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, is significant for Australia's relationship with Nauru and important for Australia's position as a security partner.
However, the economic development agreement between Nauru and China Rural Revitalization and Development Corp. has raised concerns. The agreement includes investments in various sectors, not just security-related matters. Nauru will receive tens of millions of dollars to support its government budget and bolster its stretched police force.
The agreement also includes provisions for Nauru to seek Australia's agreement before signing bilateral accords on maritime security, defense, and policing. Nauru has also agreed to consult Australia if other parties look to strike agreements granting them access to critical infrastructure such as ports, airfields, or its banking sector.
Despite these provisions, Australia is investigating whether Nauru breached the security treaty. Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy stated that officials are looking into the matter, but no further information about the nature of the breach or the specific parts of the treaty under investigation has been provided.
The economic development agreement is not limited to a single corporation or entity, as it involves investments in various sectors. Nauru, considered vulnerable to climate change, is investing in key sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, as per the agreement with China Rural Revitalization and Development Corp.
This development comes after Nauru surprised many by abruptly severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing last year. The Minister for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade of Nauru who signed the significant economic development agreement with the China Rural Revitalization and Development Corp is not named in the provided search results.
The security treaty between Australia and Nauru is under scrutiny for compliance with the agreement. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the relationship between Australia and Nauru.
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