A leading security expert has questioned whether Australia can still claim to be security partner of choice for the Solomon Islands given the growing influence of China.
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Malcolm Davis from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said Solomon Islands leader Manasseh Sogavare was trying to maintain close ties with both countries, but was ultimately reliant on Beijing.
"I don't see how we can take this assurance that we're the security partner of choice seriously when he signed that security agreement with China," Dr Davis told AAP in Canberra on Monday.
"He signed a security agreement with China that will ultimately give China a base in the Solomons."
Both Beijing and Honiara have denied a Chinese military base will be established in the Solomon Islands.
Dr Davis said he didn't believe the relationship between Canberra and Honiara was improving despite the new government renewing Australia's focus in the region.
"I don't think Sogavare's going to have the ability to resist any pressure from China because he's dependent on Chinese money to stay in power," he said.
"They came in with suitcases of money to ensure that he and the people around him would support an extension of his position, his role as prime minister."
Mr Sogavare is attempting to extend his hold on power by pushing back the national election.
Australia offered to help cover the costs after Mr Sogavare claimed his country could not afford to pay for the national poll and upcoming Pacific Games.
Mr Sogavare belatedly accepted Australian funding for an upcoming election, despite initially describing the approach as foreign interference and mocking the offer in parliament.
Australia's minister for the Pacific denied the country's relationship with the Solomon Islands is on the ropes.
Pat Conroy also pushed back at suggestions Australia was no longer the Pacific nation's security partner of choice.
"I reject that fundamental assertion," Mr Conroy told AAP.
"What's really important is that we have a mature relationship with the government of the Solomon Islands and we welcome their assurances that we are the security partner of choice."
The minister brushed questions about Mr Sogavare's remarks, saying he was not going to comment on what goes on in other countries.
"I'm responsible for my own actions and I'm responsible for the actions of this government in the Pacific," he said.
Mr Conroy said the government was continuing to rebuild the relationship after it reached a "nadir" or low point under the coalition.
Australian Associated Press
