Santa Claus visited the Tongan Parliament early this year and on December 5 the House received a gift of thousands of dollars worth of digital recording equipment that will help make efficient recording of parliament possible in its move toward democracy.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to lead a delegation of officials for a tour of the Pacific region and make a stop off at the Solomon Islands ahead of the Federal Election.
Richard Marles insists he has met with the Chinese ambassador a "handful" of times "over a very long period of time" after Scott Morrison suggested otherwise during the second leaders debate overnight.
Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles dismissed concerns over Beijing s increased presence in the Pacific and fears China could set up military bases on island nations months before the Solomon Islands pact was leaked.