The Vanuatu opposition has accused China of interfering in its domestic affairs after it became known that the Green Party, which is led by the prime minister, was given four containers of roofing iron.
The prime minister, Moana Carcasses, has confirmed receiving the goods, describing it as a party to party deal between China's Communist Party and his Green Party.
An opposition spokesman, Jeff Batunvanu, says his office has been told that the containers were cleared by customs in record time.
Mr Batunvanu says the materials may have been granted duty exemption even though they were not part of any aid project.
He says the opposition is concerned that Vanuatu's diplomatic mission in Beijing is being used by the prime minister and his government as a centre to source and dispatch aid to members and the ruling coalition.
