King Tupou VI and HE Mr Huang Huaguang toast the new Year of the Horse. Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 28 January 2014.

Tonga is China’s close friend and trustworthy partner in the Pacific islands region, the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Huang Huaguang said on January 28, and announced the Chinese government's cash offer of  $600,000 (USD) to assist relief efforts in Ha’apai.

King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau’u, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho attended a reception in Nuku’alofa to mark the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Horse, and welcomed the new Ambassador who took office last December.

Ambassador Huaguang said the Chinese government and its people shared deep sorrow with the Tongan people for the casualty and the loss in the Ha’apai Islands caused by Cyclone Ian.

“Two days ago the Chinese government decided to offer $600,000 (USD) in cash to the Government of Tonga. I sincerely hope the work for rebuilding will be carried out smoothly and people in Ha’apai restore their normal life as early as possible.”

He said over the past 15-years Tonga and China had enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges and coordination in international and regional affairs.

“Last November Your Majesty graced the celebration of the 15^th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Tonga diplomatic relations and gave new vigour to the friendship and cooperation between our two countries. The facts proved that the development of China-Tonga relationship serves the fundamental interests of our two people and contributes to the stability and prosperity in the Pacific islands region.”

The Ambassador said the Chinese lunar New Year was the most important traditional Chinese festival, and not only a moment of reunion for families and friends but also a symbolization of their culture and their people's ardent expectations for a better future.

Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu thanked China for their assistance.