Remarks at the China-Tonga Friendship Night

H.E. Mr. Huang Huaguang

Ambassador of China in the Kingdom of Tonga

11 February 2015, Nuku'alofa

Honorable Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva,

Honorable Ministers and Member of Parliament,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Welcome to the China-Tonga Friendship Night!

One month ago, during my first meeting with Honorable Prime Minister after the election, His Honorable said we should work together to further develop our bilateral cooperation and hoped the Chinese Community here in Tonga and Tongan people to conduct more communication and cooperation, building the same vision for future. We think this is an excellent idea.

So the Chinese Embassy decided to cooperate with Tonga-China Friendship Association and Tonga Chinese Federation to organize this event to offer a platform to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between China and Tonga.

Though there are thousands of miles between China and Tonga, but the vast sea connect us together. Both China and Tonga are developing countries and members of the Asia Pacific family. Since we established diplomatic relations 16 years ago, our cooperation have already reach a vast areas including economic and trade, education, culture, infrastructure, civil aviation, agriculture, health and etc. In 2014, the Chinese Navy Peace Ark medical ship visited Tonga and offer more than 4200 free treatments for local people. It's really another bright spot for our cooperation.

All the cooperation shows the spirit of mutual support and common development between developing countries. At the same time, it promotes the communication, exchange and friendship between the government and people from two countries.

Last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a successful meetings with leaders from Pacific Islands Countries in Nadi and all the leaders agreed to build a Strategic Partnership featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development. Also a package of measures to assist the development of this region was put forward. We are looking forward to work together with the new government of Tonga to implement the results of the meeting and push forward the mutual cooperation between two countries.

In China, we always say, when one drink the water; we should not forget where it comes from. The rapid development of China-Tonga cooperation definitely proves that the Look East Policy put forward by King Tupou IV is totally right and with long-term and strategic vision. Right based on this Policy, Tonga decided to end her relation with Taiwan and establish diplomatic tie with the People's Republic of China.

The One China Policy is the political foundation for the sustainable development of China-Tonga relation. Chinese side really appreciate that successive governments of Tonga always stick to this Policy. I do believe the new government of Tonga will follow the One China policy and support the unification of Mainland and Taiwan. With this political foundation, we will further promote the mutual cooperation between China and Tonga.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

China is the most populous country in the world. There are also a lot of Chinese people lived all around the world, who become the bridge and connection for China and the rest of the world. They are diligent and hardworking. In their process of development, they are also making great contributions to the prosperity of local economy.

In the past 20 years, Chinese people also have come to Tonga to set up a business. They start with almost nothing and growing their business with great efforts. This is because of their hardworking and also the inclusiveness and support from the Tongan government and people. In return, we are encouraging Chinese community always to run their business by the law and try to integrate into and return the local community. I still remember, last year, right after the Cyclone Ian, the Chinese community made a generous donation offering the goods in need to Ha'apai Islands. We hope and believe, in the future, the Chinese people in Tonga will build a closer relation with local people. They are learning the Tongan history, language, culture and will realize a common development for both sides.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends,

The new government of Tonga has started to work for just one and half month, during my meetings with Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers, I can deeply feel their willingness to cooperate with Chinese side to further develop our bilateral cooperation. I believe, with the joint efforts of both side, mutual trust gradually gained and the concerns been properly handled, our friendship will keep going and developing.

Next week will be the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of Goat. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to all of you. Wish His Majesty King Tupou VI a good health! Wish Tonga a prosperous economy! Wish Tongan people all the happiness! Wish the Chinese community here a good success and all the best!

Thank you. Malo 'aupito.