An international politics expert says New Zealand should be pouring more into regional security in the Pacific, rather than shying away from it.
New Zealand and Australia have been sounding the alarm bells, after revelations the Solomon Islands is negotiating a security deal with China.
The draft agreement - leaked online - would allow Beijing to station military forces on the islands and make regular ship visits.
Victoria University of Wellington professor of Political Science and International Relations Jon Fraenkel spoke to Corin Dann.
