Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Aisake Eke, and China’s Ambassador to Tonga, H.E. Liu Weimin, officiated the handover ceremony of the National Sports Complex in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday.
The complex, a $60 million project funded by China, encompasses the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, an international-standard rugby field, netball and tennis courts, and an aquatics center. The indoor stadium was inaugurated by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala before it became the main venue for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum held last August.
Ambassador Liu highlighted the complex as a flagship achievement of the Belt and Road Cooperation, aiming to promote social development and enhance livelihoods through sports.
Liu emphasized that it would “effectively improve Tonga’s competitive sports development and public athletic activities,” serving as a model for South-South cooperation and demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable development goals.
Prime Minister Eke expressed deep appreciation for China’s longstanding support. He noted that the National Sports Complex not only provides the public with high-quality sports facilities but also inspires Tongan athletes to aim for gold at the 2031 Pacific Games. Eke assured that Tonga would prioritize maintenance, host large-scale events, and fully utilize the complex’s potential.
The event marked another key milestone in the China-Tonga Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
