Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on a trip to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia, as the Biden administration seeks to bolster its Indo-Pacific strategy in response to China’s increasing influence in the region.
During his visit, Blinken will attend the dedication of a new U.S. Embassy in NukuÊ»alofa, the capital of Tonga, on July 26. He will then travel to Wellington, New Zealand, where he will watch the women’s World Cup match between the United States and the Netherlands.
Blinken will hold meetings with New Zealand officials before heading to Brisbane, Australia, for discussions with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Australian counterparts on July 28-29.
This trip marks Blinken’s third visit to Asia in the past two months, following his visit to China last month and a recent trip to Indonesia for talks with Southeast Asian officials. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and climate envoy John Kerry have also recently traveled to China, emphasizing the importance the Biden administration places on engagement in the region.
The announcement of Blinken’s travel comes after the State Department informed Congress of plans to significantly increase diplomatic personnel and spending for new U.S. embassies in the Pacific islands. This move is a direct response to China’s growing assertiveness in the region, as the country already has permanent diplomatic facilities in eight out of the 12 Pacific island nations recognized by the United States.
The State Department outlined its intention to hire up to 40 staffers over the next five years for each of the recently opened or soon-to-be-opened embassies in the Pacific. The new embassies include those in Nuku’alofa, Tonga; Honiara, Solomon Islands; Port Vila, Vanuatu; and Tarawa, Kiribati. Currently, Honiara and Nuku’alofa have only two temporary American staffers each.
To support the establishment of these embassies, the State Department plans to allocate at least $10 million for each post to cover start-up, design, and construction costs.
Blinken’s visit to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. By deepening diplomatic engagement and expanding the U.S. presence, the administration aims to counter China’s growing influence and maintain stability and security in the region.
The trip also highlights the importance of sports diplomacy, as Blinken attends the women’s World Cup match in New Zealand. This represents an opportunity to promote the positive aspects of international competition and foster people-to-people connections across borders.
Overall, the Biden administration is prioritizing its Indo-Pacific strategy and recognizing the need to proactively address China’s advancements in the region. Through high-level visits, increased diplomatic presence, and engagement with regional partners, the United States aims to shape a free and open Indo-Pacific that upholds a rules-based international order.
