U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia from July 24-29, the State Department announced yesterday. Blinken is the first Secretary of State to visit Tonga, and this is his third trip to a Pacific Island country, and his 12th trip to the Indo-Pacific region.
In Tonga, Blinken will dedicate the new U.S. Embassy in Nuku’alofa and advance key discussions with our Tongan partners. He will also meet with Tongan officials to discuss a range of issues, including the country’s recovery from the recent volcanic eruption and tsunami.
From Tonga, Blinken will travel to New Zealand, where he will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other government officials. He will discuss the importance of the U.S.-New Zealand partnership, as well as regional security issues.
Blinken will then travel to Australia, where he will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other government officials. He will discuss the U.S.-Australia alliance, as well as economic and climate change issues.
Blinken’s visit to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia comes at a time when the United States is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The region is increasingly important to the United States, as China seeks to expand its influence.
Blinken’s visit is part of a broader effort by the United States to counter China’s influence in the region. The United States has also increased its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, and has signed new security agreements with countries in the region.
The United States is committed to working with its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to promote a free and open region. Blinken’s visit to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia is a sign of that commitment.
