Following the eruption of an underwater volcano in Tonga, the Japanese government is working to provide aid to the South Pacific nation, spurred partly by Beijing's growing influence in the region.
China is increasing its influence by providing infrastructure assistance to nations in the South Pacific region. Japan intends to counter Beijing's efforts with the aim of realizing a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
"Tonga is a traditionally pro-Japan country. Japan and Tonga are irreplaceable partners," Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference Tuesday.
