A view Australia's recent military alliance with Papua New Guinea could be the springboard for a wider 'Pacific Eyes' alliance.
Australian think-tank Lowy Institute's proposing an intelligence sharing agreement between us, Australia, PNG and Fiji to counter China's influence in the region.
It claims it'd also help tackle trans-national crime and climate-related disasters.
Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says it would be a tough deal to negotiate, but it's feasible.
He says Australia's alliance is about sharing more intelligence and cooperating more, like this proposed deal.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: The free trade deal should be celebrated
02:24

Bridget Abernethy: Electricity Retailers and Generators Association CEO on the Electricity Authority questioning power price hikes
04:15

Pollies: National's Mark Mitchell and Labour's Ginny Andersen on drinking at Parliament, Maiki Sherman, the situation with Labour and Fitch
10:27