With polls indicating that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition may lose the May 21 election, they are focusing on their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison emphasized the Chinese government's attempts to influence Australia, citing past instances of foreign interference. This statement came in response to claims by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews that China's timing of announcing a recent deal with the Solomons was a form of interference in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party and called on Australia to respect their sovereignty and the choices made by both China and the Solomons. The news of the security agreement with the Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence being close to Australian shores, which has led to criticism of the national security efforts of Morrison's coalition. Following the opposition Labor party's criticism of the deal as a national security failure, Morrison's government has responded by emphasizing measures such as a ban on foreign political contributions and a registry of foreign representatives. Morrison stated that the legislation was put in place for a reason and indicated that the Chinese government does seek to interfere in Australia. In the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not support militarization in the Pacific and signed the China deal due to perceived inadequacies in the security pact with Australia.