With many polls indicating that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition is likely to lose in the May 21 election, they have been focusing on their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison emphasized the Chinese government's attempts to influence Australia and mentioned previous instances of foreign interference. This was in response to a question regarding Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews' radio statement suggesting that China's timing of revealing its recent deal with the Solomons was a form of interference in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party with the pact and called on Australia to respect their and the Solomons' sovereign decisions. The news of the security agreement with the Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence less than 2,000 km from Australian shores. This has raised doubts about the effectiveness of Morrison's coalition in ensuring national security. Following criticism from Australia's opposition Labor party, Morrison's government has strengthened its stance, pointing to measures such as a ban on foreign political donations and a register of foreign representatives. Morrison emphasized that the legislation was necessary due to concerns about Chinese interference in Australia. Meanwhile, in the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not support militarization in the Pacific and had signed the agreement with China as the security pact with Australia was deemed insufficient.