China defends security offer to Tonga for Pacific summit

Nuku'Alofa, Tonga (AFP) April 12, 2024

China said Friday it is offering security assistance to Tonga for a Pacific islands summit, but swatted away concerns about its ambitions in the hotly contested region. Tonga, a Pacific kingdom of fewer than 110,000 people, says it needs help to host the August 26 annual meeting of the 26-member Pacific Island Forum. But China's overture comes at a time of heightened concern among Wester