US Deputy Secretary of State Visits Tonga, Urges "Decide Your Future Independently, Not China"

Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, who is touring the South Pacific island nations, visited Tonga and emphasized that "the future of Tonga cannot be decided by China or any other country."

According to foreign media reports on the 6th, Deputy Secretary Sherman said during a dialogue with university students in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, that "Tonga must decide its own future." She highlighted that the United States fought alongside Tonga when Japan attacked Tonga during World War II, explaining, "Japan attacked this place because it is a key region that determines who will control the Pacific." She added, "This place remains strategically important, which is why China wants to invest here," but stated, "However, China cannot decide your future."

In an interview with Matangi Tonga, Deputy Secretary Sherman also criticized China for temporarily suspending climate change negotiations, saying, "Climate change is an existential issue for Tonga, and it is a major concern that the world's largest carbon emitter is stepping away from these discussions." China has temporarily suspended cooperation with the U.S. on climate change negotiations, repatriation of illegal immigrants between the U.S. and China, and criminal justice cooperation as retaliation for U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Sherman emphasized, "The U.S. does not ask Tonga to choose between the U.S. and China," but also stressed, "Tonga and the U.S. have maintained a partnership for 50 years."

China is expanding economic cooperation with South Pacific island nations to strengthen its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, toured the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga in May, agreeing to enhance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure, and signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands. The U.S. is closely monitoring these Chinese moves and expressing concern over China's attempts to expand its presence centered on Pacific island countries. With the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan further escalating U.S.-China tensions, the U.S. is paying even more attention to the South Pacific.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.