'Deeply concerning': Australia 'sees through' China's controversial move

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has continued his hardline approach on China, again taking aim at Beijing's draft plan to bring warships to Australia's backyard.

Mr Dutton told ABC RN Breakfast on Friday he was "deeply concerned" over China's proposed security pact with the Solomon Islands, one of Australia's closest neighbours, and said "people can see through" their claims of seeking peace and stability in the region.

"I think it's hard to take them at face value when they say this is not about a military port," he told host Patricia Karvelas, pointing to previous failed promises made by Chinese President Xi Jinping not to militarise disputed territory in the South China Sea.

"We know they've been trying to get into Papua New Guinea to build ports, we know they're already in Sri Lanka... this is a very concerning development.

"I don't think they're interested in the Solomon Islands... people can see straight through that".

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin previously stated the deal would be "beneficial to social stability and lasting security of Solomon Islands" and rejected Australia's criticism of the deal.

Mr Dutton said while the Solomon Islands, who he described as "family", were fully entitled to make their own decisions, there are a raft of nations in the region who oppose the move.

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He again pointed the finger at China, stating Beijing has now found itself "completely at odds with" a host of nations including Australia.

"The problem with the Australia-China relationship is not with Australia. We haven't changed our values or our approach," Mr Dutton said.

Deal 'opens doors' for China, expert warns

Richard Maude, the former head of Australia’s Office of National Assessments, said the deal would give China a 'toe-hold' in the Pacific, a statement Mr Dutton agreed with.

On Thursday the Solomon Islands confirmed the deal had now been "initialled" by both parties with the two nation's foreign ministers now due to sign the agreement.

Head of ANU National Security College, Professor Rory Medcalf, said the development was "troubling news" and the pact "opens the door" to further developments.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has rejected criticism of the deal and said it has been "very insulting" for his nation's ability to handle its sovereign affairs questioned.

Mr Dutton has been highly critical of China's actions in the region in the past 12 months, stressing Australia is at heightened risk from Beijing's "aggressive" approach.

Beijing has repeatedly dismissed his commentary, branding Mr Dutton "delusional" and suggesting his remarks were solely for political gain domestically.

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