US Opens Embassy in Tonga to Affirm Ties Amid China’s Growing Influence

U.S. President Joe Biden (C) and leaders from the Pacific Islands region pose for a photograph on the North Portico of the White House on Sept. 29, 2022. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The United States opened an embassy in Tonga on May 9, reaffirming its commitment to strengthen ties with the Pacific island nation amid Beijing’s growing influence in the region.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the new embassy in Tonga would allow the United States to deploy more diplomatic staff and resources, including the potential appointment of a resident ambassador to Tonga.