A federal government frontbencher says a new security agreement being negotiated by China and Solomon Islands is "deeply concerning" as fears grow in Australia that Beijing could establish a military presence in the Pacific Island country.
A draft official document – which emerged on social media on Thursday – lays down a framework which could permit Beijing to deploy forces to "protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands".
The agreement says Solomon Islands may "request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces" to the country.
It also states that China's government may "make ship visits, to carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands".
Trade Minister Dan Tehan told the ABC's Q+A program the government was worried the document could undermine the sovereignty of Solomon Islands.
"What we've always wanted to ensure — and we've done this through our Pacific Step-Up — is to make sure everything we're doing is enhancing the sovereignty of Pacific nations, to make sure everything we're doing is to help and support them when it comes to their sovereignty," he said.
"All the assistance that we've given is absolutely in their national interests. We're concerned that that isn't the case in this situation. Obviously it's just developing today, so we're trying to get more detail around it. But it is a concerning development."
The ABC has verified the document is genuine. It is believed to have been recently drawn up but not yet formally signed by both governments, although the ABC has not yet confirmed this.
It is also unclear if this draft version of the document will be the one taken to Solomon Islands' cabinet.
It was first published online by an adviser to the Malaita Provincial Government Premier Daniel Suidani, who has been a fierce critic of Solomon Islands' decision to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan and who has been pressing for independence for his province.
Australian officials are already deeply uneasy about growing security cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
On Thursday evening, Australia's top diplomat to Solomon Islands, Lachlan Strahan, announced the Solomons International Assistance Force would remain in the country until the end of next year, and more monetary aid would be directed to the small nation.
"Following a meeting with PM Sogavare, delighted to confirm Australia will extend the Solomons International Assistance force until December 2023, build a radio network across Solomon Islands, construct a second patrol boat outpost on the eastern border and provide $130 million (SBD) in budget support," the High Commissioner tweeted.
The diplomat did not state whether he had discussed concerns over the draft "Framework Agreement" with China during his meeting with the Prime Minister.
A contingent of Chinese police officers was recently deployed to Solomon Islands to help train local authorities trying to maintain law and order following last year's deadly anti-government riots.
There has also been anxiety in Solomon Islands about a recent shipment of "replica rifles" brought in by the Chinese embassy for that training program.
However, the prospect of a possible Chinese military presence in Solomon Islands, right on Australia's doorstop, will raise far deeper alarm in Canberra.
Australia has long been the main security provider to Solomon Islands and is determined to retain its pre-eminence in that role.
In November, the federal government deployed federal police and ADF personnel to Honiara to restore calm following a request for support from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Australian government would view any expansion of Chinese military activity in the Pacific as concerning.
"That is our backyard. This is our neighbourhood and we are very concerned of any activity that is taking place in the Pacific Islands.
"Our Pacific Island friends know that we are there to support them."
Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea Jr has told the ABC he had heard late last year that a security agreement with China was being discussed.
"Like many Solomon Islanders, I am deeply concerned with these developments on our shores. This has serious security implications for the Pacific Islands region, including Australia."
A DFAT spokesperson said the successful response by the Pacific family to help restore calm in the country following unrest in Honiara showed Pacific neighbours were best placed to respond to "situations affecting Pacific regional security".
"The Pacific family is able to provide security assistance without the need for external support and stand ready to assist further if needed," they said.
"Australia's cooperation with our Pacific Family is focused on the economic prosperity, security and development of our region. This cooperation is always transparent and open, and aligned to the priorities and interests of our Pacific partners."
They acknowledged Pacific Island nations "have the right to make sovereign decisions", but said they would be "concerned by any actions that destabilise the security of our region."
The head of the National Security College in Canberra, Rory Medcalf, said the document was deeply troubling for Australia.
"This is news of serious security concern to Australia, New Zealand and our Pacific friends — an open door from Honiara for Chinese armed forces to operate in Solomon Islands," Professor Medcalf said.
"Since 2018, sceptical observers have been looking for public proof of China's alleged intent to establish a military presence in the South Pacific, an alarm first raised by Australian security agencies.
"This could begin to fill that gap."
Anna Powles from Massey University said the agreement was "ambiguous, ambitious, and, if it comes into force, has significant and concerning implications for Solomon Islands, Australia, and the region."
"The agreement also suggests that China is seeking logistical supply capabilities and material assets located in Solomon Islands to support ship visits.
"The conclusion that can be drawn here is that China may seek some kind of basing arrangement in Solomon Islands."
