Penny Wong to visit the countries days after her Chinese counterpart, as China and Australia vie for regional influence.

Penny Wong to visit the countries days after her Chinese counterpart, as China and Australia vie for regional influence.
Countries such as Vanuatu and Kiribati expected to seek Wang Yi’s support for development and infrastructure.
Leaked document shows China will call for more police, security, and telecom cooperation at upcoming summit with region.
Massive eruption and tsunami had ruptured undersea cable, leaving residents with only makeshift satellite connections.
Community transmission and lockdown deal further blow to Tonga as it deals with aftermath of a major volcanic eruption.
Magnitude 6.2 quake hits almost two weeks after Tonga was devastated by a volcanic eruption and tsunami.
US will also deploy USS Sampson to join Australian and British ships on ‘contactless’ aid runs following tsunami.
Resident of Tongatapu says deafening sound, rain of sulphur ash followed Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai’s eruption.
Pita Taufatofua is raising funds for island nation hit by devastating underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami.
UN says some 60,000 people affected by damage to crops, livestock, fisheries due to ashfall and saltwater intrusion.
The images from Tonga show ashen buildings, toppled walls and streets littered with boulders, tree trunks and debris.
Military plane from New Zealand first to arrive as recovery effort accelerates after Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai disaster.
A telecommunications blackout is further complicating the delivery of aid to the volcano-stricken island.
With at least three confirmed dead, UN says aid operations could be conducted remotely because of the COVID-19 risk.