Australian officials and public right to be concerned about Solomon Islands’ China deal

Australia’s foreign affairs officials and political leaders are right to be more than a little concerned over the newly revealed developing pact between the Solomon Islands and China.

The draft agreement, which was recently leaked through social media, goes to the issues of defence, security, development, stronger ties between the two nations and a host of other points that should be – and are – ringing alarm bells right now in DFAT, Defence, the AFP and other agencies.

That’s not to mention what must be rising concerns within the wider Australian community.

Scott Morrison says his government was not blindsided by the news of the Solomon Islands pushing to expand its security ties with Beijing.

Yet it is obvious the draft agreement is something the Australian government would prefer was not being pursued.

Since Friday, the prime minister has repeatedly noted the “constant pressure and the constant push that is coming into the region from interests that are not aligned with Australia’s and not...