US counters China's influence in Pacific with new embassy in Tonga

The US has opened an embassy in Tonga, marking its latest move to expand its diplomatic presence in the Pacific islands, where China has been increasing its influence. The move comes ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to Papua New Guinea later this month, the first visit by a sitting US president to the Pacific country. The US is also planning to open an embassy in Vanuatu. The Pacific islands are seen as strategically important for the US and its ally Australia, and Washington is concerned about Beijing's growing influence in the region.