China ramps up aid to Pacific Island nations

Country playing pivotal stabilizing role as USAID funding cuts impact region

When China officially delivered Tonga's National Sports Complex in Nuku'alofa in March it was another example of Beijing's hand of friendship to a region heavily reliant on foreign aid.

Built by China, the multimillion-dollar complex includes the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, an international-standard rugby field, netball and tennis courts, and an aquatics center.

To many nations scattered over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, foreign aid is a lifeline in an uncertain world. This has become even more apparent now that the United States government has decided to dismantle the US Agency for International Development, or USAID, effectively cutting much-needed assistance to a region fighting the impact of climate change along with poor health and economic development.