The Prime Minister has slammed a senior Labor politician for ‘chilling’ comments about China’s activity in the Pacific.

As recently as a few months ago, Deputy Leader Richard Marles reportedly dismissed concerns about China establishing military bases.

Asked about his previous comments on Today this morning, Mr Marles doubled down, claiming they were a “statement of fact”.

The declaration contradicts Anthony Albanese, who has been critical of the Morrison government’s inability to stop a deal with the Solomon Islands.

“This is about the Chinese government seeking to impose influence in our region,” Scott Morrison told Neil Breen on the deal.

“What I find just galling is the Labor Party were attacking us on this issue, and he who would be Deputy Prime Minister and wants to be Defence Minister in a Labor government, has actually been advocating for what the Chinese government has been seeking to do.

“That should be incredibly concerning and indeed chilling for people to know what Labor really thinks.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview