China speaks for Tonga in UN security council, says new ambassador [1]
Saturday, January 18, 2020 - 15:45
As a permanent member of the UN security council, “China speaks for Tonga and other developing countries with a view to safeguarding our common interests,” HE Cao Xiaolin, the new Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, said in his speech at a reception to mark the Spring Festival, at the Chinese Embassy in Nuku'alofa on 16 January.
He hosted the reception to mark China’s most important traditional festival. The week-long Spring Festival will start on 25 January, but the Chinese Embassy hosted the reception early “to increase the understanding on the Chinese culture, and promote the friendship between China and Tonga.”
HE Xiaolin said that according to the Chinese lunar calendar, every 12 years fulfils a cycle, and 12 animals are used to mark each year, the Chinese zodiac. “Year 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The Rat is the head of the zodiac. It represents a spirituality and vitality, and it is an omen of auspicious happiness.”
Guests of Honour at the reception were Princess Pilolevu and Lord Tuita.
Toasts were offered by HE Cao Xiaolin and the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa.
HE Xiaolin took up his position in the New Year. It is his second posting to Tonga. He served as a junior diplomat at the Embassy when the People's Republic of China first established diplomatic relations with Tonga in 1998.
Co-operation
He said he had witnessed rapid all-round development of China-Tonga relations, which over the past two decades had seen tangible co-operation.
“The exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as infrastructure, economy and trade, agriculture, fishery, health, education and culture have tightened the close ties between our two peoples, boosted economic development, improved people’s livelihood and brought tangible benefits to them. The aid provided by China within its capacity to Tonga is sincere and selfless. The Chinese community here actively fit into the Tongan society and played a very important role in promoting our cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture and tourism.”
He noted that “China and Tonga are like-minded partners in the international affairs. We share similar positions on many regional and international issues, and support each other on many important matters. As a permanent member of the UN security council, China speaks for Tonga and other developing countries with a view to safeguarding our common interests.”
Returning to Tonga after 20 years HE Xiaolin said he had seen many positive changes. “Tonga is more prosperous, with a rapid developing economy and better standard of living of the people. Tonga is much safer, with a stable and peaceful society.”