Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Xiamen on Wednesday.
The meeting, held during the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, highlights the deepening relationship between Tonga and China. Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings to King Tupou VI and highlighted the 27 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, noting their collaboration through challenges like natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“China fully recognises the vulnerability of the economic and social development of the Pacific Island countries in the face of the climate change crisis,” Wang stated, emphasising China’s commitment to supporting Tonga’s sovereignty and development interests.
In response, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala expressed gratitude for China’s assistance during Tonga’s volcanic eruption and pandemic challenges. He reaffirmed Tonga’s adherence to the one-China principle and proposed enhanced cooperation in medical services, education, and climate change response.
The Crown Prince also highlighted his recent visit to Shandong Province, which deepened his understanding of Confucian philosophy, and voiced full confidence in the success of the foreign ministers’ meeting.
This meeting reflects China’s broader initiative to increase support for Pacific Island countries, including implementing 100 “small but beautiful” projects over the next three years and investing $2 million in sectors such as clean energy and tourism.
The strengthened ties between Tonga and China signify a continued partnership aimed at mutual development and addressing shared challenges.
