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ASPI’s Michael Shoebridge says there’s a “deeply authoritarian regime” acting fast, following China’s attempt to secure 10 Pacific Island nations in a security pact.

Beijing has appeared to have shelved its proposal for a sweeping security pact in the Pacific region amid concerns about "specific issues" from local leaders.

“There aren’t any niceties about what they’re doing, they’re blunt, brazen, upfront, and they’re moving at speed,” Mr Shoebridge told Sky News host Chris Kenny.

“With Beijing putting this 10 nation security pact on the table, they are out and proud and wanting a direct big security role in the region and in small island states themselves.

“Now that should disturb every person living in a Pacific state because Beijing’s authoritarian brand is what we see in Hong Kong … and Shanghai right now, they shouldn’t want that, but that’s the offer.”