King Tupou VI and President Xi Jinping presided over the signing of nine Memorandum of Agreements (MoU) between the Government of Tonga and Government of the People’s Republic of China, during a formal meeting in Beijing yesterday, 25 November.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u are currently on a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 21-26 November 2025.

Yesterday, they were received by President Xi Jinping and his spouse Madame Peng Liyuan at the Great Hall of the People.

The Palace Office in Nuku'alofa stated today that the welcome ceremony included a traditional Guard of Honour and inspection of the Guard by the King before proceeding to the formal meeting between the two Heads of State.

“The MoU and agreements are to further improve the close bilateral ties between the two nations in terms of medical assistance, education, trade, economic development, people to people relations and green power; and were signed by Hon. Dr. ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola and Tonga’s Ambassador to China Tau‘aika ‘Uta‘atu,” stated the Palace Office.

China's television CCTN covered the welcome speech by President Xi Jinping, and reported that, “China will also deepen exchanges in education, sports, youth, media, and subnational cooperation, and continue to provide assistance for Tonga's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation.” Xi said that China's economic and social development of the next five years will focus on high quality development, deepen reforms across the board, expand high-level opening up, and share development opportunities with other countries in the world.

China wants to build a China-Pacific Island countries community with a shared future.

Xi and his spouse hosted a welcoming banquet for the King and Queen in the afternoon.

The State Visit at the invitation of President Xi Jingping, is the King's second State Visit to China.

Chinese aid to Tonga

Tonga and China established diplomatic ties in 1998.

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Tonga, HE Mr Liu Weimin, in a statement this week, said there had been a steady growth in bilateral relations.

“Tonga is an important development cooperation partner of China, and the Belt and Road Initiative has provided a broader platform for bilateral collaboration.”

He said the building of the Tonga National Sports Complex had become a preferred venue for large-scale events. The first and largest wind farm project granted by China in the South Pacific region now contributed to Tonga’s energy transition and climate resilience. The Peripheral Area of Royal Tombs Improvement Project helped preserve Tonga’s traditions and culture while providing access to transport for local residents. Support and assistance was given during the COVUD-19 pandemic, responding to the 2022 HTHH eruption and tsunami and, more recently, in tackling dengue fever this year.

China provided training for nearly 1,700 Tongan participants, while over 400 students have pursued studies in China. The Chinese navy hospital made four visits to Tonga, delivering essential health services to ordinary people. Chinese medical teams reached out to remote islands, agricultural experts helped diversify local food sources, and Chinese are teaching Mandarin in Tonga, Ambassador Weimin said.