Canberra says it would be concerned if Beijing was allowed a military presence in the Solomon Islands.
Australia says it would be concerned if China signed a pact that could let it establish a military presence in the Solomon Islands.
On Friday, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton denied a suggestion his country had "dropped the ball" in the region. The tiny Pacific nation could also "request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces", according to the document. But Australia has traditionally been its main security provider, regional power, and source of financial aid.Last year, Australia deployed peacekeepers to the Solomon Islands after violent protests targeted parliament, Chinese businesses and other buildings in the capital, Honiara.