Chinese President Xi Jinping met Tonga’s King Tupou VI in Beijing, calling for stronger alignment between the two countries’ development strategies.
Xi said China and Tonga have maintained deep friendship and mutual support since establishing diplomatic ties, setting an example of cooperation between nations of different sizes and systems. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Tonga’s national independence and sovereignty.
Xi noted China is ready to expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, clean energy, infrastructure, tourism, health care, and climate response. He also pledged deeper exchanges in education, media, youth, sports, and local-level cooperation, adding that China will continue providing assistance under South-South cooperation.
Highlighting China’s upcoming development blueprint, Xi said China will focus on high-quality development, deepen reforms, open wider to the world, and share opportunities with partner countries, including Tonga. He also expressed readiness to work with Tonga to advance the four major global initiatives and strengthen the China–Pacific Island community with a shared future.
King Tupou VI thanked China for its long-standing support and reaffirmed Tonga’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to “Taiwan independence.” He said Tonga seeks to expand cooperation in economic development, trade, agriculture, clean energy, education, health care, and environmental protection, and is willing to learn from China’s governance experience.
Tonga also supports Xi’s global initiatives and aims to work closely with China on climate change and other shared challenges.
Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements covering the economy, trade, medical services, education, and development. Earlier, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcoming ceremony and later a banquet for the King and Queen at the Great Hall of the People.
