Australia’s top diplomat lags behind Chinese counterpart to visit Samoa, Tonga

SYDNEY: Australia’s recently sworn-in Foreign Minister Penny Wong is heading back to the Pacific Islands on a visit to Samoa and Tonga, days after her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday.
As Australia and China duel for influence in the vast region, Wong announced that she is returning on a plane to “renew and strengthen Australia’s deep ties of friendship and family”.
Since taking oath nine days ago, Wong has already visited Japan – the United States, India, Japan and Australia – and Fiji for a meeting of countries.