Winston Peters' first trip to Polynesia since taking up his Foreign Affairs portfolio has kicked off with political and financial turmoil in Tonga and a lurking cyclone in the region.
The Tongan cabinet is currently going head to head with King Tupou VI, who essentially has stripped Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni of his Majesty’s Armed Forces portfolio and Minister Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
In a statement last night, the Tongan Government said the cabinet has sought advice from the Attorney General, and the king’s move goes against the Constitution. In other words, the government is refusing to adhere to the Monarchy.
Given that the king heads the military forces and is unlikely to back down from his position, this has the potential to go badly.
The king could also dissolve parliament, which he has done before, and that would mean a general election, which the Kingdom can’t afford. Cabinet has asked for a meeting with the king – and is still waiting for a response.
It comes as the kingdom grapples with political and financial turmoil, Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver reports. (Source: 1News)
The country is already in dire straits, with Tonga owing China more than US$120 million (NZ$197m) for a loan it took out to rebuild the capital, Nuku’alofa, after it was destroyed in the 2006 riots.
This year's upcoming payments mean Tonga will have one of the highest debt levels in the world. It will pay more to China than it will for its own health system.
In the NZ-Tonga bilateral press conference in front of the Tongan cabinet, Winston Peters referred to “the debt that was incurred by some policies that were maybe wise and some not so wise”.
In diplomatic speak, that’s pretty scathing. That Tonga will be in such a precarious position with China holding the strings is a serious issue for the region.
Many island countries have debts with Beijing and if a climate emergency happens on their shores – like the volcano and tsunami affected Tonga – then their ability to repay could also be affected.
Added to the mix during the talks this week, Tropical Cyclone Nat was bearing down on the southern Cook Islands.
Security and Defence specialist Dr Anna Powles has it right when she says that if Wellington and Canberra are serious about supporting Pacific countries in terms of economic development, they are going to need to come in strong for countries facing climate-related events.
From Peters' perspective, his visit to Tonga has been a success. Acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu used the magic words “trusted friend” and talked about security risks and geopolitical pressure facing the region and the importance of working together.
The engagement was a good start – now New Zealand needs to ensure it delivers on its promise of support.
SHARE ME