Leaders from 18 Pacific Island states and territories are meeting in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum to tackle shared challenges like security, economic struggles, and climate change. The UN chief endorsed a $500 million Pacific-led climate fund needing foreign support. China’s investments in the region have raised concerns over potential debt traps, particularly as Tonga’s debt equals a quarter of its GDP. Pacific nations stress self-determination while balancing relations with China and other powers. Australia proposes a regional police force, and the U.S. sends a delegation to strengthen ties.
Al Jazeera’s Eunice Kim reports.
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