US-China relations: Blinken in Tonga calls out ‘predatory’ China’s ‘problematic behaviour’

The US secretary of state delivered a barbed warning about aid and investment from Beijing while in the Pacific nation to dedicate a new embassy

He claimed China had been behind ‘predatory economic activities’ and investments that could ‘undermine good governance and promote corruption’

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni in the Pacific nation’s capital of Nuku’alofa on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:33pm, 26 Jul 2023

Antony Blinken on Wednesday became the United States’ first secretary of state to visit Tonga, dedicating a new US embassy and warning South Pacific nations about the perils of “predatory” Chinese investment.

As part of a drive to build Washington’s influence across the region and to counter Beijing’s growing clout, Blinken touched down in the capital Nuku’alofa on a diplomatic charm offensive.

“We’re a Pacific nation”, and “we very much see the future in the Indo-Pacific region”, Blinken told his hosts.

“We really understand what is a priority for the people here,” he added, citing issues like climate change, development and illegal fishing.

As China’s engagement in the region has grown, there has been some – from our perspective – increasingly problematic behaviour

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Blinken also delivered a barbed warning about aid and investment from Beijing, saying it often comes with strings attached.