Meanwhile, Australia's spy chief says Canberra is concerned Chinese police deployed to the Solomon Islands under a new security pact could use "ruthless" techniques previously used to quell antigovernment protests in Hong Kong.

The deal was announced by Beijing on April 19, weeks after a draft version leaked on social media and sparked concern it could open the door to a Chinese military presence in the South Pacific.

Asked how realistic it was that China would request to put troops in the Solomon Islands within the next year, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told 4BC radio it was "very likely".

"It is likely that will be the path that China will be taking in the Pacific region," she continued, as quoted by AFP.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has repeatedly said there would be no Chinese military base built in his country under the security deal but has not made the final version of the pact public.

The leaked draft contained provisions allowing for Chinese security and naval deployments to the Solomon Islands, including language stating the "forces of China" would be empowered to protect "the safety of Chinese personnel" and "major projects".

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