FILE - President Joe Biden, center, poses for a photo with Pacific Island leaders on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Tonga's Prime Minister expressed openness to China's offer of security assistance during an upcoming regional leaders' summit. The announcement has raised concerns in the United States as it aims to counter China's growing influence in the region.
Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni stated on Thursday that there was no reason to fear China's offer to aid Tonga in hosting the Pacific Islands Forum in August. Despite the U.S. urging regional nations against forming security agreements with Beijing, Sovaleni assured reporters in Nukuʻalofa that there was no cause for alarm. He emphasized that China's offer was merely to assist with the summit and that Tonga would evaluate any support offered by China, including training for the police force.
The prospect of Chinese assistance has prompted concerns among some governments, particularly Australia, about the potential influence of authoritarian Chinese policing methods in the Pacific region. The United States and Australia have been actively working to strengthen their ties with Pacific nations amid growing Chinese presence in the region. These efforts intensified following China's security pact in 2022, which raised fears of the Solomon Islands hosting a Chinese naval base.
China's attempt to establish a single security treaty encompassing ten Pacific Island nations faced resistance, leading Beijing to pursue individual deals with island nations. Tonga's recent discussions with Chinese officials from the Ministry of Public Security focused on the provision of police motorcycles and other vehicles to support security measures for the upcoming summit. Sovaleni clarified that these discussions were centered on logistical support and reiterated Tonga's sovereignty in deciding on security arrangements for the event.
The Australian government has not issued an official response to Tonga's security negotiations with China. However, senior opposition lawmaker Simon Birmingham expressed concerns about any potential involvement of non-Pacific nations in providing security resources for the Pacific Islands Forum. Birmingham emphasized the need for Australia, as the wealthiest member of the forum, to offer all necessary resources to ensure that no external nation, including China, is involved in providing security for the summit.
The United States has also been actively engaged in the Pacific region, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Tonga last year to bolster diplomatic ties. The U.S. had earlier opened an embassy in Tonga as part of its efforts to expand its influence in the region.
In summary, Tonga's consideration of China's security assistance for the upcoming summit has sparked concerns among some nations, particularly the United States and Australia. While Tonga maintains its sovereignty in decision-making, the involvement of external powers in regional security arrangements remains a contentious issue.
