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Tonga

Tonga
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Tonga. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (right) before the Ocean of Peace Alliance signing on July 6. Photo: AFP
Pacific nations

Australia, Fiji and now New Zealand: a new Pacific alliance takes shape

Wellington’s bid to join the pact flags a hard-security pivot, but analysts ask if such treaties serve Pacific societies’ best interests.

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My Life

Former Hong Kong rugby team captain reflects on the first Sevens tournament in 1976

Hong Kong Sevens

On This Day | First Hong Kong Sevens rugby tourney held in 1976 – SCMP archive

United States

World welcomes 2026 with fireworks, lightshows and hopes for peace

From Paris to Dubai to Sydney, crowds ring in the new year with exuberant celebrations.

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Revelers at Times Square in New York for the annual ball drop. Photo: AP
Pacific nations

Australia, US push Pacific deterrence amid China’s security overtures

Analysts note the significance of Papua New Guinea and Fiji’s unprecedented involvement in this year’s ‘Olympics of war games’.

Pacific nations

Tiny Pacific nations fear US travel bans. Why?

Tuvalu, Tonga and Vanuatu all appeared on a list of nations facing new visa curbs. A US official says Washington has ‘valid concerns’.

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Pacific nations

A drop in the ocean? Pacific nations tap local know-how for marine conservation

Among the measures being taken are a ban on fishing and mining activities in vast marine protected areas.

Children take a canoe to school in Solomon Islands. Pacific island nations have stepped up their marine conservation plans. Photo: Shutterstock
Pacific nations

Most Pacific island women don’t work. The World Bank wants to change that

Outdated laws and social norms keep 57 per cent of working-age women across the Pacific out of the labour force, the bank says.

The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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Pacific nations

Tonga’s prime minister abruptly quits amid Pacific power struggle

It was not immediately clear who was in line to replace Siaosi Sovaleni, who has butted heads with Tonga’s influential king.

Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni addresses the United Nations General Assembly in September. Photo: Reuters
Pacific nations

Blinken in Tonga calls out ‘predatory’ China’s ‘problematic behaviour’

The US secretary of state delivered a barbed warning about aid and investment from Beijing as he became the first American foreign minister to visit the Pacific island nation.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Tonga’s prime minister in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Blinken readies a rapid Asia-Pacific return – with ‘China’s role’ in mind

For the third time in two months, the US secretary of state is coming back to the region – to talk Aukus, New Zealand’s Beijing diplomacy and show Pacific island nations that it’s a ‘willing partner’, analysts say.

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Pacific nations

One year after volcanic blast, many of Tonga’s reefs lie silent

Eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano has dealt significant blow to country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, while young corals are failing to mature in the coastal waters around the eruption site.

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Pacific nations

Tonga underwater volcano erupts, forming new ‘baby’ Pacific Ocean island

The Home Reef volcano began erupting on September 10 and carried on until at least Friday. The new island it formed has grown to 24,000 square metres – but may not last for long.

Home Reef underwater volcano is seen erupting earlier this month in a satellite image. Photo: Planet Labs Handout via AFP
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

World Cup Sevens: Hong Kong end with final flourish against Tonga

Paul John’s side secure comfortable 17-0 victory on Sunday at Cape Town Stadium, looking back to their best after defeat by Uganda.

Hong Kong’s Harry Sayers attacks the Uganda defence on day two of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town. Photo: Mike Lee/KLC fotos for World Rugby
Japan

Japan, Tonga navy hold first joint drill amid China’s rise

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force said one of its destroyers engaged in training with a Tongan patrol ship in waters near the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa in a bid to boost security cooperation and exchanges between the nations.

Asia travel

‘Good to be back’: Tongans go home as 2-year Covid-19 border closure ends

The first arrivals at Tonga’s international airport were greeted with garlands, music and tears, as families were reunited. More than 3,000 Tongans were stuck overseas when the country’s borders shut in 2020.

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Rugby World Cup 2023

Tonga ease past Hong Kong in 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifier

Lewis Evans’ team looked sharp in first half, but Tonga proved too strong, booking their spot in World Cup Pool B alongside South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Romania.

Tonga launch another attack against Hong Kong in their Rugby World Cup qualifier. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong China Rugby

Mud-splattered pitch to host Hong Kong as they face Tonga for RWC 2023 qualifier

The 19th team in the 20-team Rugby World Cup in France next year is set to be determined Saturday on what is expected to be a mud-splattered pitch in a 10,000-seat stadium north of Brisbane.

Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong coach Evans rings changes for Rugby World Cup qualifier against Tonga

Lewis Evans has made six changes to the starting 15 that won the Asia Rugby Championship against South Korea two weeks ago, and has named six forwards on the bench.

Hong Kong International Test Rugby

Injuries leave Tonga without big guns for World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong

Star trio Israel Folau, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau all missing from side for Saturday’s clash on the Sunshine Coast.

Malakai Fekitoa is one of three star players missing from the Tonga squad for Saturday’s game against Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong ‘under no illusions’ as to threat Tonga pose in World Cup qualifier

Two sides will play each other on Australia’s Sunshine Coast on July 23, with winners going to Paris next year.

Tonga’s Malakai Fekitoa talks to teammates during his side’s World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match against Fiji. Photo: AFP
Asia Rugby Championship

Hong Kong’s road to Rugby World Cup goes through Israel Folau and Tonga

If Hong Kong successfully defend their Asia Rugby Championship next month, a World Cup qualifier then awaits against a Tongan side likely to include former Wallaby Israel Folau and ex-All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa.

Pacific nations

China and tsunami-hit Tonga hold aid ceremony day before US Pacific meet

US secretary of state to travel to Fiji on Saturday to reassure Pacific island leaders in a video meeting that Washington and its allies are committed to the region.

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SpaceX

Elon Musk’s SpaceX to help Tonga fix internet

The SpaceX team is in Fiji to establish a ground station for six months; Tonga’s devastating volcanic eruption in mid-January damaged an undersea telecommunications cable.

Starlink satellites provide fast internet to remote locations. Photo: SpaceX
Coronavirus pandemic

Australia says ‘no evidence’ aid warship brought Covid-19 to Tonga

Tonga imposed a lockdown after two workers in Nuku’alofa’s port, where aid has been pouring in since the January 15 volcanic eruption, tested positive for Covid-19.

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Australia’s HMAS Adelaide docked in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Photo: Australian Defence Force via AP
China's military weapons

What Tonga aid mission says about China’s military modernisation

Analysts say the military has been taking on more non-military responsibilities as part of the overhaul of the armed forces.

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Diplomacy

Chinese military planes deliver emergency supplies to Tonga

Two aircraft arrived in the Pacific nation on Thursday morning, according to foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

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