US Secretary of State Discusses China in Recent Tonga Visit
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, was present in Tonga for bilateral discussions on Wednesday 26 July 2023.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, they conversed on deepening bilateral ties.
China – the elephant in the room – wasn’t touched upon in their introductory remarks at the joint press conference but subsequently took the spotlight during the question-and-answer session with reporters.
Queries were raised about whether the recent rise in the US’s commitment to the Pacific was a calculated move to counterbalance China’s expanding clout in the region.
Blinken articulated that while China’s influence posed concerns, the US was propelled by its aspiration to create stronger alliances with Pacific nations.
“With the escalating engagement of China in the region, from our viewpoint, there’s an uptick in behaviours that pose challenges.
“There’s the assertion of maritime claims, the militarisation of contentious territories like the South China Seas, certain predatory financial activities, and investments that potentially compromise good governance,” Blinken pointed out.
“The undeniable fact is that we are a Pacific nation.”
“Our prime objective is discerning the best ways to respond to the needs of people in the Pacific Islands effectively.”
Fortify our ties’
Both Blinken and Hu’akavameiliku praised the fortification of their ties.
“Antony Blinken’s visit today is groundbreaking,” Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged.
“It’s the maiden visit of a current US Secretary of State to Tonga, and is the most senior visit we’ve received from the United States in our contemporary history,” he supplemented.
“This visit illustrates the United States’ intent and dedication to fortify our ties. The United States and the Kingdom of Tonga share a lengthy history and an enduring alliance.”
Blinken informed reporters that the US already has a robust presence in the Pacific, and fostering enhanced relationships among the Pacific Islands is vital.
“We are fellow Pacific nations…with a shared future,” he stated.
“President Biden is wholly committed to paving the way for a future of tighter collaboration, to deliver on issues that our people regard as most crucial.
“This partnership is about creating a region that’s open, prosperous, free, and resilient.”
Hu’akavameiliku stated that the visit builds upon an announcement last year by US Vice President Kamala Harris, urging for closer ties.
He indicated that this represents a reinvigorated effort by the United States to engage with Tonga.
“Our partnership is founded on our mutual respect for democracy, the rule of law, and the rights and freedoms of others.
“We manage the facets of our partnership, elevating our commitment to confronting the climate crisis.
“We acknowledge that education is a vital component…additionally we recognize the evolving global landscape, the surge in conflicts, and the strategic significance of the Pacific Islands region.”
According to Matangi Tonga, quotes the Tonga PM as stating that he has requested Blinken to expedite visa-processing facilities in Nuku’alofa, which are linked to visa applications to the United States current process in Suva, that he claimed burdens Tongan families.
“We also broached collaborating to tackle issues including deportees, human trafficking, and, of course, cyber security,” he affirmed.
Blinken’s visit is the initial leg of a week-long tour of Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia. It happens just two months after the opening of a US Embassy in Tonga, and a year since President Joe Biden pledged to allocate over $US800 million in development aid to Pacific nations.
Blinken’s itinerary now includes meetings in Wellington with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta and visited United States Women Soccer Team who played pool match against Dutch and drew 1-1 in Wellington on Thursday, 27 July, before he proceeds to Brisbane, Australia.