Tonga and China mark 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Tonga and China mark 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Friday, November 3, 2023 - 19:28. Updated on Friday, November 3, 2023 - 21:06.

HM King Tupou VI, HE Mr Cao Xiaolin and HM Queen Nanasipau‘u Tuku’aho at a reception marking the 25th anniversary of China-Tonga diplomatic relations. Nuku'alofa, 2 November, 2023: Photo: Matangi Tonga

Report and pictures by Katalina Siasau

The Kingdom of Tonga and the People's Republic of China celebrated their 25^th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, last night, 2 November, at a dinner reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nuku’alofa.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau‘u attended. The Royal guests included Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho, the Princess Royal Pilolevu Tuita, and Hon. Lord Tuita.

In his address, the King acknowledged that through the Tonga-China diplomatic relationship, established in 1998, "We have forged a partnership firmly rooted in unwavering friendship, resolute collaboration, and profound mutual respect."

He recalled his State Visit to China in 2018, and visiting Hainan and Guangdong Provinces, who both have a sister-city relationship with ‘Eua and Ha‘apai.

He acknowledged China's immediate support following the HTHH volcanic eruption in January 2022, and the Naval Hospital Ship, Peace Ark, visit in July, which provided humanitarian health and medical services to the people of Tonga.

King Tupou VI noted that the current state of global affairs and geopolitical conflict, offered a chance to deepen mutual trust and expand practical cooperation across more areas.

“Our two countries are well positioned to play positive roles in achieving such trust and cooperation at a regional level, by collaborating on various fronts such as the region’s ambitious 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” said the King.

King Tupou VI spoke on Tonga-China diplomatic relations, at the Chinese Embassy, Nuku'alofa. 2 November 2023. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

One-China

The Chinese Ambassador, HE Mr Cao Xiaolin, acknowledged Tonga’s firm commitment to the one-China principle.

He said the bilateral friendship between the people of Tonga and China had taken deep roots.

“I also look forward to deepening our mutual trust through more practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Global Artificial Intelligence Initiative proposed by China.”

He spoke of joint projects with the Tonga government, including the Tonga High School Sports Complex project, the Wind Power Farm project, the Royal Tomb Improvement project, the Agricultural Technical Cooperation project and others.

HE Xiaolin said the Chinese Embassy hoped to continue working with Tonga’s Government, to make new progress in cooperation while building mutual strategic trust and closer coordination and collaboration.

Guests at the reception included the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Prisons, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu; the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua; members of HM's Privy Council; nobles, government ministers, members of the Legislative Assembly, and representatives of the Chinese business community, and others.

Diplomatic relations at an ambassadorial level, between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Tonga, were formally signed in Beijing by the then Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, (now King Tupou VI), and Mr Tang Jiaxuan, then Foreign Minister of China, on 26 October 1998.