Tonga and China sign bilateral cooperation agreements [1]
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 - 22:54
Story and Photos by Linny Folau
Several bilateral cooperation agreements between Tonga and the People's Republic of China were signed this afternoon by Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavemeiliku and China's State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Wang Yi.
The Prime Minister's office stated that the agreements were to assist in Tonga’s long-term development in common interest areas, such as disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
In return, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku in welcoming Mr Wang Yi to Tonga highlighted Tonga’s strict adherence to the ‘One China Policy’ and the mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty.
Tonga has maintained that stance since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1998.
“[It] continues to outline the high-level comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries,” he said.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku also conveyed Tonga’s gratitude to China with the relief assistances offered after the volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai and tsunamis.
The talks concluded with the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements including:
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change of the Kingdom of Tonga and the Ministry of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Area of Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response;
- Memorandum of Understanding on Deepening Blue Economy Cooperation between the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development of the Kingdom of Tonga and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China;
- Handover Certificate on the China-Aid Non-intrusive Imaging Inspection Equipment Project to Tonga Customs Between theGovernment of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga;
- Letter of Exchanges on the Provision of One Fingerprint Examination Laboratory between theGovernment of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga;
- Memorandum of Understanding between China and Tonga on the Grant-Aid Assistance provided by Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China to the Government of the Kingdomof Tonga in 2022; and
- Agreement for the Peripheral Area of Mala’ekula Royal Tomb Improvement Project.
Chinese disaster relief assistance
Earlier this year, China had dispatched two Chinese Navy Ships, two Chinese fishing vessels and two Y-20 military aircrafts to deliver relief items to assist with the restoration of the Tongan people’s lives after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic disaster on January 15.
China also continued to help Tonga during the outbreak of the COVID pandemic by offering PPE items and other relevant assistance.
The Chinese Foreign Minister is visiting eight countries with strong bilateral ties to China, including Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Tonga, aiming to reinforce friendships and provide a platform to discuss issues of common developments and interest.
Mr Wang Yi departs Tonga on 1 June.