Most polls indicate that Scott Morrison's conservative coalition is likely to lose the May 21 election, so they are emphasizing their national security credentials, particularly their tough stance on China. Morrison expressed concern about Chinese government influence in Australia and referenced past instances of foreign interference. These comments were made in response to a statement by Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews suggesting that China's timing of revealing their Solomons deal was an attempt to interfere in Australia's election. China has denied targeting any third party and has called on Australia to respect their sovereignty and choices. The news of the security agreement with a Pacific nation raised concerns about the possibility of a Chinese military presence being close to Australian shores, which reflected poorly on the national security efforts of Morrison's coalition. After the opposition Labor party criticized the agreement as a failure in national security by Canberra, Morrison's government has responded by emphasizing measures such as banning foreign political donations and registering foreign representatives. Morrison stated that the legislation was implemented for a reason, implying that the Chinese government seeks to interfere in Australia. In the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that the country would not engage in militarization in the Pacific and signed the deal with China as they believed the security pact with Australia was insufficient.