China, Tonga agree to promote strategic partnership

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Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Tonga's King Tupou VI in Beijing on Thursday.

The leaders have reached consensus after they exchanged views on consolidating and developing the strategic partnership between the two countries and other issues of common interest.

Xi welcomed King Tupou VI's visit as this year marks the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Xi also sent sincere greetings to people in Tonga as the country was hit by the tropical cyclone Gita on Feb. 12, which caused extensive damages.

Xi stressed that China and Pacific island countries, including Tonga, are good friends and good partners with the same breath, common destiny and development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with King Tupou VI of Tonga at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 1, 2018. /Reuters Photo

At the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last year, the Party committed to forge a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, in order to build a community of shared future for mankind. Xi said China would continue to cooperate with developing countries.

Xi pointed out that the two countries should enhance high-level exchanges and mutual political trust, and continue to understand and support each other on issues regarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.

King Tupou VI of Tonga meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 1, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Xi noted that China-Tonga relations should further expand communications and cooperation in government departments and legislatures to reach a win-win shared development under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

China said it will continue to offer economic and technological aid to Tonga with no political strings attached.

Tonga's King Tupou VI congratulated the successfully held 19th CPC National Congress and expressed appreciations to China's aids after the hurricane in February.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Tupou VI of Tonga attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, March 1, 2018. /Reuters Photo

King Tupou VI supported China's proposal on forming a new international relations and is willing to build the community of shared future with China.

Tonga supports one-China policy, said King Tupou VI. He hopes China would enhance cooperation in trade, infrastructure and tourism with Tonga and Tonga supports China to deepen relations with other Pacific island countries.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed signing of cooperation agreements in various fields including economy, technology, human resources and education. The two countries also released a joint press communique.

Tonga's King Tupou VI has been in China for a state visit from February 28 to March 8 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

King Tupou VI will also visit Zhejiang, Hainan and Guangdong provinces.