China and Tonga have pledged to deepen their cooperation, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Tonga’s Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala in east China’s Xiamen City on Wednesday.
The meeting took place during the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, highlighting the growing importance of Pacific nations in China’s foreign policy.
Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings to Tonga’s King Tupou VI and emphasized the strong bonds formed over 27 years of diplomatic relations. “China and Tonga have stood together through natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wang said, underscoring the commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
He praised Tonga’s adherence to the one-China principle and expressed China’s support for Tonga’s sovereignty, security, and development interests. Wang noted that the Belt and Road Initiative has been a key driver in expanding cooperation between the two nations.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, on behalf of King Tupou VI, extended sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He expressed gratitude for China’s timely assistance during Tonga’s volcanic eruption and pandemic challenges. “Our bilateral relations have significantly improved the livelihoods of the Tongan people,” he said.
The Crown Prince also highlighted his recent visit to east China’s Shandong Province, where he deepened his understanding of Confucian philosophy. He reaffirmed Tonga’s unwavering support for the one-China principle and proposed enhanced cooperation in medical services, education, and addressing climate change.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of mutual respect and advancing genuine multilateralism, aiming to strengthen ties not just between their own countries but throughout the Global South.
