On October 30, 2018, the Tonga-China Friendship Association (TCFA) hosted a dinner in celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tonga. His Excellency Wang Baodong, Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Tonga, Her Royal Highness and President of the TCFA Princess Pilolevu, Hon. Lord Tu’ilakepa, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Ministers of Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Justice and other Ministries, Members of Parliament, representatives from the Tonga-China Students Alumni Association (TCSAA) and the Chinese community attended the dinner.
In his speech, Ambassador Wang recalled the development history of China-Tonga relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties on November 2, 1998. He spoke highly of the important contribution Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu has made to promoting the undertaking of friendship between China and Tonga, and appreciated the important role of bridge in increasing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples played by the TCFA, TCSAA and the Chinese community in Tonga.
Ambassador Wang warmly acknowledged the fruitful results in China-Tonga relations over the past two decades. He emphasized that the Chinese government has always attached high importance to the development of the bilateral relations, and appreciated that the Royal Family, consecutive Tongan Governments and Parliaments have always upheld the One China principle and firmly follow the friendly policy towards China. He said that the Chinese side is determined to work hard with the Tongan side to continue implementing the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and His Majesty King Tupou VI, increase exchanges at the top and other levels and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to constantly promote the Strategic Partnership of Mutual Respect and Common Development between the two countries to a higher level and bring more benefits to their peoples.
Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, Vice President of TCFA and Member of Parliament said in his remarks that during the past 20 years since Tonga and China established diplomatic relations, Tonga has been abiding by the One China principle and both sides have been upholding the principle of non-interference in each others’ internal affairs. The friendly relations between the two countries have kept healthy development and their friendship makes the Tongan people more confident in Tonga’s future. Just like the Chinese saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Tonga looks forward to working with the Chinese side to push for greater achievement in the growth of their relations and achieve win-win results.
The guests all expressed congratulations on the 20th anniversary of China-Tonga diplomatic relations. Tongan artists also added fun to the celebration by their performance of several passionate and energetic traditional dances of Tonga.
