US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Tonga’s Prime Minister Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi in Nuku'alofa on 26 July, 2023. Photo: AFP/ Tupou Vaipulu
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Tonga on Wednesday for bilateral talks.
He met with Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni to discuss strengthening relations between the two countries.
The white elephant in the room - China - wasn't mentioned in their opening addresses at the joint media conference - but became the dominant topic in questions with journalists.
Blinken was pressed on whether the sudden surge in US commitment in the Pacific was motivated to counter China's growing influence in the region.
He said that while China's influence was concerning, US interests were driven by its ambition to establish stronger partnerships with Pacific nations.
"As China's engagement in the region has grown, there has been some, from our perspective, increasingly problematic behaviour.
"The assertion of maritime claims…the militarisation of disputed features such as the South China Seas, some predatory financial activities....and investments that are done in a way that can undermine good governance," Blinken said.
"The simple reality is this - we're a Pacific nation.
"Our intense focus is how can we be the best partners in terms of being responsive to the needs of people in the Pacific Islands."
'Strengthen our relations'
Both Blinken and Hu'akavameiliku commended the strengthening of relations.
"The visit today by Antony Blinken is historic," said Hu'akavameiliku.
"It is the first visit by a sitting US Secretary of State to Tonga, and it is the highest level visit we have received from the United States in our recent history," he added.
"It is a clear indication to us of the desire and commitment by the United States to strengthen our relations. The United States and Kingdom of Tonga share a long-standing history and enduring partnership."
Photo: U.S. Department of State
Blinken told journalists the US already had a strong presence in the Pacific - and establishing greater relations among the Pacific Islands was essential.
"We are fellow Pacific nations…with a shared future," he said.
"President Biden is fully committed to usher in a new future of closer collaboration, to deliver on the issues that matter most to our people.
"This partnership is about making a region that's open, prosperous, free and resilient."
Hu'akavameiliku said the visit builds on an announcement made last year by US Vice President Kamala Harris, calling for greater relations.
He said it represents a renewed effort by the United States to engage with Tonga.
"Our partnership is grounded on our shared respect for democracy, the rule of law and the rights and freedom of others.
"We govern the aspects of our partnership, to raise the commitment to tackling the climate crisis.
"We agree that education is an important component…in addition we acknowledge the changing global landscape, the increase in conflicts and the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region."
Photo: Matangi Tonga Online/Tupou Vaipulu
Matangi Tonga quotes the Tongan leader as saying he has asked Blinken to expedite the visa-processing facilities in Nuku'alofa, and likewise associated with visa applications to the United States current process in Suva, which he said puts a strain on Tongan families.
"We also discussed working together to communicate problems including deportees and also trafficking in persons and, of course, cyber security," he said.
The visit is the first stop for Blinken in a week-long tour of Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. It comes just two months after a US Embassy was opened in Tonga, and a year since President Joe Biden made a pledge to provide over $US800 million in development aid towards Pacific nations.
Blinken will now hold meetings in Wellington, New Zealand and then travel to Brisbane, Australia.