HM King Tupou VI and HM Queen Nanasipau’u were greeted by China’s President HE. Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday 1 March at China’s political hub – the Great Hall of the People – in Beijing, China. Discussions were held and seven cooperation agreements were signed.

HM King Tupou VI's delegation arrived in China on Wednesday for a nine-day state visit, marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the People’s Republic of China. The delegation includes the Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika and the Tongan Ambassador to China Hon. Tau'aika 'Uta'atu.

According to a Press Communique that was released yesterday 2 March: “China wishes the Tongan people new accomplishments in its endeavor for better and faster development under the leadership of H.M. King Tupou Ⅵ and the Tongan government.”

“In the new historic era, countries need to develop friendly exchanges on the basis of mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, endeavor to foster a new type of international relations and build a community with a shared future for mankind.”

Agreements

A joint press communique outlined agreements that were made during discussions including the following:

“The two sides agreed that countries are equals regardless of their size, strength or wealth...”

“The two sides reaffirmed their respect on each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, support to the independent choice of development path which suits their national conditions, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests…”

“The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges at leadership and other levels, expand cooperation between government departments, legislatures, defense authorities and local governments, strengthen the exchange of experience in governance,and continue to enhance mutual understanding and political trust…”

“The two sides agreed to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in the United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum and other multilateral fora, and enhance communication and collaboration on global issues including climate change and sustainable development…”

“The two sides agreed to step up cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, agriculture and fishery, clean energy, maritime resource conservation and sustainable development…”

HM King Tupou VI is scheduled to visit the cities of Zhejiang, Hainan and Guangdong. His Majesty is expected to return to the Kingdom on March 8.