An expert on China's role in the Pacific says a draft agreement to station military forces on Solomon Islands could see the South Pacific cut off and encircled by Chinese forces.

A draft agreement - leaked online - would allow Beijing to station military forces on Solomon Islands and make regular ship visits.

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described the developments as "gravely concerning".

University of Canterbury Professor Anne-Marie Brady spoke to Māni Dunlop about the agreement, and how New Zealand and Australia ought to respond.