Labor questions lack of focus on Solomons

Foreign Minister Marise Payne says the US is well aware of the importance of the Solomon Islands. (AAP)

Labor has accused the Morrison government of taking its eye off the ball in the Pacific, as the Solomon Islands negotiates a security deal with China.

The United States is understood to be so concerned about the impending deal, which could involve Chinese warships being based in the Solomons, it is sending senior security adviser Kurt Campbell to the Pacific island nation in coming weeks.