Foreign relations of Tonga

Tonga, by a modification of its treaty of friendship with the United Kingdom in July 1970, is responsible for its own external affairs. It maintains cordial relations with most countries and has close relations with its Pacific neighbours and the United Kingdom. In 1998, it recognized the People's Republic of China and broke relations with Taiwan.[1]

Regional relations

Tonga maintains strong regional ties in the Pacific. It is a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Tonga endorsed the Treaty of Rarotonga (the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty) in 1995. [2]

Tonga is, however, notably not one of the eight signatories of the Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Interest which collectively controls 25–30% of the world's tuna supply and approximately 60% of the western and central Pacific tuna supply.[3]

Since November 2011, Tonga was one of the eight founding members of Polynesian Leaders Group, a regional grouping intended to cooperate on a variety of issues including culture and language, education, responses to climate change, and trade and investment.[4][5][6]

Extra-regional relations

Tonga was admitted to full membership of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970, upon regaining its independence from British protection.

Since it has always had its own monarch, its position in the Commonwealth was rather unusual.

Tonga is an independent native Commonwealth monarchy like Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, and Swaziland.

Tonga was admitted to the United Nations in 1999.

Additionally outside the region, Tonga is a member or participant of the ACP, Asian Development Bank, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the G-77, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, International Hydrographic Organization, the IMF, the International Maritime Organization, Interpol, the International Olympic Committee, the ITU, the NAM, the UPU, the World Meteorological Organization and the World Trade Organization.

Bilateral relations

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Australia		See Australia–Tonga relations Australia has a high commission in Nukuʻalofa.[7] Tonga has a high commission in Canberra.[8]
Brazil	December 2011	Brazil is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. Tonga does not have an accreditation to Brazil.
Canada	1984	Canada is accredited to Tonga from its High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand.[9] Tonga is accredited to Canada from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[10]
China	1998	See China–Tonga relations The Kingdom of Tonga and the People's Republic of China (PRC) established official diplomatic relations in 1998. The two countries maintain cordial diplomatic, economic and military relations. China has an embassy in Nukuʻalofa. Tonga has an embassy in Beijing.
Fiji		See Fiji–Tonga relations These neighbouring countries in the South Pacific have a history of bilateral relations going back several centuries. Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama received "cheers and thunderous applause" from the Tongan public when he attended a Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tonga in October 2007; the crowd's "enthusiastic reception" of Fiji's leader was likened to "that accorded to a rock star".[11] Radio Australia noted that he had been "the star of this year's meeting, for the people of Tonga",[12] while TVNZ reported that he had been "given a hero's welcome".[13] In terms of inter-governmental relations, Tonga has generally avoided pressuring Fiji's "interim government" into holding democratic elections. However, Tongan Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Sevele has urged Bainimarama "to produce a credible roadmap to the election according to the Constitution and law of Fiji".[14]
Germany		Germany is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand and maintains an honorary consulate in Nukuʻalofa.[15] Tonga is accredited to Germany from its high commission in London, United Kingdom.
Greece	1984	Diplomatic relations were established in 1984.[16] Greece is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.[16] Tonga does not have an accreditation to Greece.
India		See India–Tonga relations India is accredited to Tonga from its high commission in Suva, Fiji. Tonga does not have an accreditation to India.
Japan	1970	Japan has an embassy in Nukuʻalofa. Tonga has an embassy in Tokyo.[17]
Latvia	2020	Tonga and Latvia established diplomatic relations in 2020. On October 28, 2020, Tongan and Latvian Ambassadors to the United Nations signed a joint communiqué formalising the bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over strengthening of ties between the two countries.[18] Both countries see opportunities for cooperation in tackling climate change, development cooperation, economics, and cooperation in various multilateral formats, especially in the light of the prospective Latvian non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council in 2026-2027.[19]
Mexico	26 September 2008	Mexico is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.[20] Tonga is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.[21]
New Zealand	1970	See New Zealand–Tonga relations New Zealand has a high commission in Nukuʻalofa.[22] Tonga has a consulate-general in Auckland.[23]
Russia	1976	See Russia–Tonga relations The Kingdom of Tonga and the Soviet Union established formal diplomatic relations in 1976. Tonga was the first Pacific Island country to establish relations with the USSR. The USSR was dissolved in 1991 and was succeeded by Russia as the successor state. On 2 October 2005, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Tonga ST T. Tupou exchanged telegrams offering congratulations on the occasion of 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations. In his heads of foreign ministries of Russia and Tonga expressed confidence in further development of Russian-Tongan relations in the interests of the peoples of both countries and strengthen peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.[24] Russia is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Canberra, Australia. Tonga does not have an accreditation to Russia.
Samoa		See Samoa–Tonga relations Both nations are Pacific Islands countries and members of the Commonwealth of Nations and Pacific Islands Forum. Samoa is accredited to Tonga from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Apia. Tonga is accredited to Samoa from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nukuʻalofa.
South Korea	September 1970	South Korea is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. Tonga is accredited to South Korea from its embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
Spain		See Spain–Tonga relations Spain is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. Tonga does not have an accreditation to Spain
Turkey	Jan. 26, 1976[25]	See Tonga–Turkey relations Turkish ambassador in Wellington to New Zealand is also accredited to Tonga.[25] Trade volume between the two countries was negligible in 2019.[25]
United Kingdom	1879; 4 June 1970	Tonga has had its longest formal relations with the United Kingdom, with which it remains on very good terms. The British explorer James Cook led expeditions to Tonga in 1773, 1774 and 1777. This was followed by extensive English missionary activity beginning in 1797. The mass conversion of most Tongans to Christianity – and primarily to Wesleyan Methodism – resulted in strong religious ties to England as the source of most of the missionaries involved. Indeed, it was in part through the assistance of the English missionary Shirley Baker (who baptized him) that George Tupou I established the current Tonga constitutional monarchy in 1875. This served to further strengthen Anglo-Tongan ties, and the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga established formal mutual diplomatic recognition in 1879.[26] While always remaining independent, Tonga became a British protected state under the so-called Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. The Treaty of Friendship and protected state status ended only in 1970 under arrangements established during the reign of Tonga's third monarch, Queen Sālote. Tonga is unique among Pacific island nations in its never having been colonized. Its foreign relations, therefore, have always been as an independent monarchy free of the colonial relationships of its neighbors. (see History of Tonga). Tonga's earliest foreign relations were rooted in conquest of many of its neighboring islands so that by the 12th century, Tongans, and the Tongan kings, the Tu'i Tonga, were known across the Pacific, from Niue, Samoa to Tikopia they ruled these nations for over 400 years, leading some historians to refer to a "Tongan Empire," although it was more so a network of interacting navigators, chiefs and adventurers. Tonga's dominance of the region was greatly affected following first contact with the Dutch beginning in 1616 on the Northern Tongan islands "Cocos Island" (Tafahi) and "Traitors Island" (Niuatoputapu), and later in 1643 on the main island of Tonga itself. The Dutch did not establish a lasting presence, but Dutch reports led to interest from the British. The British explorer James Cook led expeditions to Tonga in 1773, 1774 and 1777. This was followed by extensive English missionary activity beginning in 1797. The mass conversion of most Tongans to Christianity – and primarily to Wesleyan Methodism – resulted in strong religious ties to England as the source of most of the missionaries involved. Indeed, it was in part through the assistance of the English missionary Shirley Baker (who baptized him) that George Tupou I established the current Tonga constitutional monarchy in 1875. This served to further strengthen Anglo-Tongan ties. While always remaining independent, Tonga became a British protected state under the so-called Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. This protected the Tongan monarchy from European or other colonizing powers in return for a special relationship with the United Kingdom. In the 1950s, Anglo-Tongan relations were strengthened with the visit of each country's monarch to the other nation. In 1953, Tonga's Queen Sālote became the first Tongan monarch to visit Britain when she attended the coronation of Elizabeth II. Soon after, in 1954, the Queen Elizabeth then visited Tonga. The Treaty of Friendship and protected state status ended only in 1970 under arrangements established during the reign of Tonga's third monarch, Queen Sālote. As part of cost-cutting measures across the British Foreign Service, the British Government closed the British High Commission in Nukuʻalofa in March 2006, transferring representation of British interests in Tonga to the UK High Commissioner in Fiji. The last resident British High Commissioner was Paul Nessling.[27] In 2010, Tongan Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, signed an agreement in London committing a minimum of 200 Tongan troops to cooperate with Britain's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.[28] Tonga has a high commission in London. United Kingdom has a high commission in Nukuʻalofa.
United States		See Tonga–United States relations The United States and Tonga enjoy close cooperation on a range of international issues. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Tonga and make periodic visits since the United States has no permanent consular or diplomatic offices in Tonga. Although plans for a US consulate in Tonga were announced in 2008,[29][30] it has yet to be established.[31] Peace Corps Volunteers teach and provide technical assistance to Tongans. A large number of Tongans reside in the United States, particularly in Utah, California and Hawaii.[32] Tonga is accredited to the United States from its permanent mission to the United Nations in New York City and has a consulate-general in Burlingame, California.[33] United States is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Suva, Fiji.

Commonwealth of Nations

Tonga has been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 4 June 1970.

Tonga was a British protected monarchy from 1900 to 1970, when it became an independent native monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations, a status shared by Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, and Swaziland, which also have their own native monarchs.

Current foreign policy

Tonga's foreign policy as of January 2009 has been described by Matangi Tonga as "Look East" – namely, as establishing closer diplomatic and economic relations with Asia (which actually lies to the north-west of the Pacific kingdom). Tonga retains cordial relations with the United States. Although it remains on good terms with the United Kingdom, the two countries do not maintain particularly close relations, and the United Kingdom closed its High Commission in Tonga in 2006. Tonga's relations with Oceania's regional powers, Australia and New Zealand, are very good.

International disputes

In 1972, Tonga laid claim to, and invaded, the tide-washed, isolated Minerva Reefs, some 480 kilometres southwest of Nuku'olofa, to thwart efforts by a private group, Ocean Life Research Foundation, to establish an independent Republic of Minerva (now the Principality of Minerva) on the reefs and surrounding quays. In November 2005, Fiji laid a complaint with the International Seabed Authority claiming ownership of the reefs.[34]

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Tonga
• List of diplomatic missions of Tonga

References

1. "Tonga breaks relations with Taiwan". BBC. 30 October 1998. Retrieved 10 June 2008.
2. http://www.countrywatch.com/cw_topic.aspx?type=text&vcountry=177&topic=POFOR
3. "Pacific islands fighting for their tuna | Klima-Tuvalu". 19 August 2011. Archived from the original on 19 August 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
4. "NZ may be invited to join proposed 'Polynesian Triangle' ginger group", Pacific Scoop, 19 September 2011.
5. "New Polynesian Leaders Group formed in Samoa", Radio New Zealand International, 18 November 2011.
6. "American Samoa joins Polynesian Leaders Group, MOU signed", Savali, 19 November 2011.
7. "Australian High Commission in Tonga". Tonga.embassy.gov.au. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
8. "Tongan High Commission in Australia". Tongahighcom.com.au. 9 September 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
9. "Canadian High Commission in New Zealand". Canadainternational.gc.ca. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
10. "Tongan Permanent Mission to the United Nations". Un.int. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
11. "Voreqe no 'leper'" Archived 20 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Maria Burese, Fiji Times, 17 October 2007.
12. "TONGA: Questions over Fiji election commitment", ABC Radio Australia, 18 October 2007.
13. "Clark snubbed, Bainimarama welcomed". Television New Zealand. 16 October 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
14. "Bainimarama vows army will abide by results of 2009 election" Archived 18 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Fiji Times, 17 October 2007.
15. "Honorary Consuls - Federal Foreign Office". Wellington.diplo.de. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
16. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece". Mfa.gr. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
17. "Tonga Embassy in Japan". Tongaembassy.jp. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
18. "Latvia Establishes Diplomatic Relations with Tonga". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. 29 October 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
19. "Latvia's Candidacies". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
20. "Embassy of Mexico in New Zealand (in English and Spanish)". Embamex.sre.gob.mx. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
21. "Permanent Mission of Tonga to the United Nations". Un.int. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
22. High Commission of New Zealand in Nukuʻalofa
23. Consulate-General of Tonga in Auckland
24. "On the exchange of greeting telegrams between the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Tonga on the occasion of 30 anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations". Mid.ru. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
25. "Relations between Turkey and Tonga". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
26. "Tonga: History", Encyclopædia Britannica
27. The sun finally sets on our men in paradise, published in The Daily Telegraph, 21 March 2005.
28. "Tongan troops to work with UK and other ISAF forces in Afghanistan - GOV.UK". Mod.uk. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
29. "US to open consulate in Tonga", ABC Radio Australia, 16 May 2008.
30. "US consular office for Tonga" Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, 9 February 2009.
31. "U.S. Relations With Tonga", U.S. Department of State, 29 August 2014.
32. "US Department of State". 2009-2017.state.gov. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
33. "Home". Tongaconsul.com. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
34. "Fiji, Tonga dispute ownership of reef". Radio New Zealand International. 1 November 2005.