Australia announced a multimillion-dollar agreement with Nauru on Monday that gives Canberra a veto right over a range of pacts the tiny Pacific atoll might want to enter with third countries, including China.

In return for financial support, the Pacific island nation of Nauru pledged not to enter any security pacts without Australia’s assent.

SYDNEY : Australia and Pacific nation Nauru announced a landmark security treaty today, advancing Canberra’s aim of blunting China’s growing regional influence. Under the treaty, Nauru must seek Australia’s agreement before it inks any other bilateral deals concerning maritime security, defence and policing.