Solomons crisis (Australia)

In this scenario I wanted to showcase some of the strengths and limitation of the Australian Defence Force in a relatively realistic scenario. Australia has a large number of F-35s, strong ISR, and powerful long range missiles. However many of these long range missiles (the LRASM) cannot yet be carried by the F-35 which significantly limits Australia's anti-shipping capability. Also, despite Australia having a relatively large amount of tankers compared to the size of the air force due to the huge distances involved range is still a major limitation. 8 April 2024 Pacific Islands nations are increasingly becoming a major theatre of competition between the two major global power blocs due to their strategically vital location and small size making them easily bankrolled by larger powers. In April 2022 the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China, as a part of which China is reported to gain a permanent police presence in the Solomons, provide humanitarian assistance, and importantly gain the rights of "ship stops" and to deploy military forces to "protect Chinese citizens and major projects" within the Solomons. Both China and the Solomons deny that this treaty will lead to a future Chinese military base within the Solomons, however, due to the Solomon Islands position along one of Australias major sea lines of communication this treaty still represents a major threat to Australias national security and has thus seen significant condemnation from Australia among other Pacific powers. 6 days ago the Solomon islands begun privately communicating with the Australian government, claiming that a small port and airfield complex is being constructed without permission by the Chinese police presence in the Solomons. Apparently the Chinese contingent on the island has gone completely dark, and Chinese representatives to the Solomons are refusing to engage with questions relating to the complex. Since then it has become increasingly apparent to the Solomon Governm