A grant of RMB$500,000 was pledged to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga during an official Parliamentary visit to the People's Republic of China from October 28 to 3 November, when the MPs also learned about poverty alleviation initiatives and rural development in China's least-developed provinces.

It is understood that China's Ministry of Commerce through diplomatic channels will work with the Tongan Government to process this submission formally for the Legislature to purchase new office equipment and furniture.

Tonga's Parliamentary delegation met with high level government officials in Beijing and also visited Guizhou and Guandong Province.

Tonga's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China in Beijing, HE Siamelie Latu said that visit was "highly successful in which both Tonga and China benefited from it".

The delegation met with HE Mr Wu Bangguo the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and CPC political Bureau Standing Committee member.

Tonga's Parliamentary Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, raised the issue of building a new parliamentary complex.

This was endorsed by HE Mr Wu Bangguo with a grant of RMB$500,000 to be provided to Legislative Assembly of Tonga to purchase new office equipment and furniture.

"The delegation learnt a lot about China and the Communist party and were able to gather fresh ideas with potential for adoption in Tonga. They were particularly interested in poverty alleviation initiatives and programs currently being implemented by the Chinese government," Tonga's Mission in Beijing said in a statement.

The Members of Parliament visited the least developed provinces of China, Guizhou Province to learn about the rural development and work undertaken to fight poverty and met with local leaders, development and poverty alleviation initiatives.

The delegation was accompanied in Beijing by HE Siamelie Latu and Sesilia Latu.

He said that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga Lord Fakafanua had affirmed Tonga's unequivocal support to the 'One China Policy'.

The delegation included two Noble's Representatives Lord Tu'ilakepa and Lord Nuku, with three People's Representatives 'Akilisi Pohiva, Falisi Tupou and Mo'ale Finau accompanied by Sione Tekiteki the Clerk of the House.