Chinese ambassador Cao Xiaolin recently gave a speech claiming that "China speaks for Tonga".
The cyclone just passed to the North of Tongatapu without its high winds and heavy rain.
Few of the country's 14 islands were spared damage, said Sumeo Silu.
Tonga is bracing for a direct or near hit by the cyclone later today, bringing torrential rain, severe winds and dangerous seas.
The small Pacific nation was inundated as the storm swept over the islands yesterday.
The Fiji Meteorological Service says Tropical Cyclone Tino has winds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.
The cyclone has already passed over the northern island of Rotuma.
It is forecast to pass over Fiji's second island, Vanua Levu, this afternoon.
Dwayne inducted his father into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
Heavy wind and rain warnings are now in force for much of Fiji.
Fiji Met Service say it's unclear how strong the cyclone might become.
Jaedhan Roebeck, 10, reached his goal of 1000 pitches, then kept going.
Taipaleti Vaeatangitau had surgery in Auckland in 2016 but woke to find herself a paraplegic.
A law passed in December, mandating parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Jaedhan Roebeck, 10, is aiming to catch 1000 pitches on Sunday to raise money for those in need.
Fiji's Frank Bainimarama saluted the "extraordinary bravery" of the thousands of men and women battling the blazes.
The Pacific Island nation switched allegiances to China in September, leaving Taiwan with just 15 allies.
The 26-year-old was granted bail but is unable to return to Australia with court putting a travel ban in place.
Many properties around Rarotonga are already experiencing flooding due to sea surge.
It will be remembered for the rise of social media, the #MeToo movement and, of course, President Donald Trump.
Sivo will front the Nadi Magistrate's Court on January 7.
Authorities are urging all islands to be prepared as the cyclone's track could change at any moment.
Gary Wilson has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
The cyclone has just battered Fiji, leaving two people dead and another person hospitalised.
The Ministry of Health warns of the growing impact the island's measles epidemic is having.
The 26-year-old was granted bail in the Nadi Magistrate's Court today.
The Salvation Army is fundraising to pay for sewing groups in the Pacific to make reusable sanitary pads.
Two people have now died, after an 18-year-old drowned while swimming yesterday.
The 26-year-old was in Fiji visiting family when he was charged with indecent annoyance.
The deadly outbreak has claimed 81 lives since it began in October.