Right, HE Mr Wang Donghua launched CRI FM 92.1

China's state-owned radio station launched a 24 hours FM service in Nuku'alofa today, offering programs in English and Chinese languages.

China Radio International CRI FM 92.1  in partnership with the Tonga Broadcasting Commission TBC, becomes the seventh FM radio station in Tonga.

HE Mr Wang Donghua, China's Ambassador to Tonga switched on the new 24-hrs FM radio, that covers Tongatapu and 'Eua at TBC station in Fasi, and said that the launching of CRI radio was a natural evolution of the friendly relations and cooperation between Tonga and China.

"Mutual understanding is the basis of mutual cooperation. Radio and television are very important channels in which we can promote mutual cooperation and have a better understanding of each other," he said.

China's Central Television CCTV also started broadcasting in Neiafu, Vava'u today. 

Channels

Solomone Finau TBC Chief Engineer said, the radio was mostly in English but there were also Chinese speaking programs aired. A new radio mast had been erected at the TBC station in Fasi for CRI, he said.

Radio Australia is aired in Tonga on FM103, in addition to five other local channels.

The Chinese Ambassador presented equipment, including laptops and broadcasting tools from CCTV and CRI, to Mele Kamoto the TBC Acting General Manager.

Present at the event were Lady Tuna Fielakepa and Dr Masasso Paunga the Directors of TBC Board, CEO of the Ministry of Information and Communications Paula Ma'u and Mr Xin Lin, Chief Engineer of CRTV.

TBC is Tonga's only public broadcaster owned by the Government of Tonga. It operates two free-to-air channels on Television Tonga and one local AM and FM station.