Blinken visits tiny Tonga as U.S. continues diplomatic push to counter China in the Pacific

Sec. Blinken visits Tonga to open new US Embassy, discuss regional issues. He meets PM Sovaleni, outlines US commitment to Pacific Islands, tackling climate crisis, and increasing diplomatic presence. Emhoff and Macron also visit region to strengthen ties.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the tiny Kingdom of Tonga on Wednesday, as the United States continues to increase its diplomatic efforts in the Pacific while China's influence in the region grows.

Home to just over 100,000 people, Tonga last year was the site of a massive volcanic eruption that sent millions of tons of water vapour into the atmosphere and killed four people in Tonga.

Mr. Blinken's visit helped highlight the opening of a new U.S. Embassy in Tonga and the return of Peace Corps volunteers following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Blinken met with Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and other officials to discuss the bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“Secretary Blinken outlined how the United States is following through on commitments made by President Biden at last year's historic summit with Pacific Islands leaders to elevate our diplomatic and development presence and engagement in the region,” Mr. Miller said in a statement.

Mr. Miller said the visit also highlighted U.S. efforts to tackle the Pacific climate crisis, including by expanding early warning systems.

Mr. Blinken next travels to New Zealand, where on Thursday he will meet with officials and watch the women's World Cup soccer match between the U.S. and the Netherlands. He then travels to Brisbane, Australia, for meetings with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Australian counterparts.