In a significant meeting in Xiamen, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cooperation between their countries. The Crown Prince is attending the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Wang Yi conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tonga’s King Tupou VI and highlighted the 27 years of diplomatic relations marked by rapid development and mutual support. Despite challenges like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Tonga have stood united, advancing the vision of a shared future for humanity.
Wang reiterated China’s firm support for Tonga’s sovereignty and development and praised Tonga’s adherence to the one-China principle. He emphasized the expansion of bilateral cooperation across government levels and sectors, with the Belt and Road Initiative playing a pivotal role.
China affirmed its role as a reliable long-term partner, respecting Tonga’s equal statehood regardless of size, and welcomed Tonga’s growing participation in international affairs. Both leaders expressed commitment to promoting genuine multilateralism alongside Global South nations, opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
In response, Tonga’s Crown Prince extended King Tupou VI’s greetings to President Xi and thanked China for its assistance during Tonga’s volcanic eruption and the pandemic. He highlighted recent visits that deepened his appreciation of Chinese culture and reaffirmed Tonga’s one-China stance. He also proposed closer cooperation in healthcare, education, and climate change, expressing optimism for the success of the ongoing foreign ministers’ meeting.