Vanuatu is denying claims it’s considering a proposal from China to build a military base in the Pacific country.

The Chinese Government has been donating infrastructure to Vanuatu over the years, and Vanuatu is drowning in foreign debt to China which is up to $210 million.

The proposed base would put China’s military power within 2,000km of Australia’s coast.

Ben Fordham speaks with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

“The government of Vanuatu has said there is no proposal of which they are aware, to establish a Chinese military base on Vanuatu,” she says.

“I remain confident that we are Vanuatu’s strategic partner of choice.”

Listen to the full interview below