Antony Blinken visits Tonga, warns of ‘predatory’ Chinese aid

Antony Blinken, the United States secretary of state, has pledged to step up support for Pacific nations and reiterated a warning about the perils of “predatory” Chinese investment as he dedicated a new embassy in the island nation of Tonga.

Australia Signs Defense Deal with Fiji As US Ally Rushes to Counter China

Australia and Fiji marked an “important milestone in the defense relationship” by signing a “Status of Forces Agreement” on Thursday, allowing them to deploy forces in each other’s territories at times of need.

China Holding Security Talks With Kiribati, One More Pacific Island Country - Reports - UrduPoint

China is holding negotiations on potential security deals with Kiribati and possibly Vanuatu, The Financial Times reports citing officials.

Tonga to go into first-ever lockdown after two COVID cases | Al Jazeera

Disaster-hit Tonga will go into lockdown on Wednesday, according to the government, after the country detected its first two community transmissions of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

First relief flight lands in tsunami-hit Tonga, more on way | Al Jazeera

The first flights carrying emergency relief supplies for Tonga have landed, and more are on their way, after the runway at the Pacific island nation’s main airport was cleared of ash and debris from last weekend’s devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami.

Tonga undersea cable needs 'at least' four weeks to repair: NZ - BBC News

A key undersea cable that was destroyed in a volcano eruption in Tonga may take at least four weeks to be repaired, said New Zealand's foreign ministry.

Pacific volcano: Ash-covered Tonga is like a moonscape say residents - BBC News

A massive volcanic eruption in Tonga that triggered tsunami waves has smothered the Pacific islands in ash, cut power and severed communications.

Japan issues tsunami warning after major volcanic eruption — RT World News

A tsunami warning has been issued for Japan's entire east coast, as well as the southern Amami island and the Takara island chain.