SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — A 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit in waters off the Pacific island nation of Tonga on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake struck at a moderate depth of 100 kilometers (62 miles) with the epicenter some 85 kilometers north of the Tongan capital Nuku’alofa. There were no immediate reports of damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat. Baea Filimoehala from […]
Tag: Pacific Island
Xi woos Pacific islands to curb Taiwan’s influence
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AFP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping will sit down with seven Pacific island allies Friday, doling out attention and perhaps some largesse in the hope of convincing more nations to drop recognition of Taiwan. While countries have vied for resource contracts and influence along vital Pacific shipping routes, the region has also become a frontline in the diplomatic war between Beijing and Taipei, which is struggling to retain support amid […]





