SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Australia was able to stop a “invasion” of Beijing in the Pacific Islands by meeting weekly with their leaders and providing vaccine assistance, Scott Morrison, Prime Minister, said Sunday.

Last month, U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken declared that Washington will open an Embassy in Solomon Islands to address concerns about China’s plans for military expansion.

Morrison stated that China was “very clear” in its aspirations for a Pacific island military base, however this has not happened.

In a television interview, he explained that Australia was close to the region and provided COVID-19 vaccines earlier than other support organizations.

He said, “I speak to Pacific leaders every week. That is how we ensure that we can stop the incursion in our region. Because we share values and the Pacific.”

Australia was the first aid recipient to the Pacific islands. However, China is increasing infrastructure lending and aid and has provided military equipment for Fiji.

Beijing stated previously that Australia and America are “resurrecting Cold War mentality” and China’s support would help “build a community with shared future for China, Pacific Island countries.”

Tensions between Australia, China and Australia, which are both important trading partners, rose after Beijing sanctioned Australian products as a retaliation to Canberra asking for an investigation into COVID-19’s origins.

Morrison faces an election on May 1. He has placed his hardline rhetoric against China in the forefront of his bid for reelection.