Chinese draft security deal with Solomon Islands didn’t blindside Australia, Morrison says
by Paul Karp from World news | The Guardian on (#5XG34)
Analysts say unratified document which would allow China to base ships in the Pacific is a wish list' which reveals nation's intent in black and white'
Scott Morrison has said Australia was not blindsided by a draft security deal between China and Solomon Islands, which experts warn has demonstrated a black and white" intent at expanding influence in the Pacific.
The draft would allow China to base navy warships in the Pacific less than 2,000km off the Australian coast, but some experts, including the Lowy Institute's Jonathan Pryke, caution it reads more like a wishlist" from China than a finalised agreement.
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