Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a joint delegation of the Tongan parliament and government led by Lord Vaea, Speaker of Tonga's Parliament. 

Liu noted, last year, President Xi Jinping held successful talks with King Tupou VI during his visit to China, which charted the course for the future development of China-Tonga relations. Exchanges on state governance experience constitute an important part of China-Tonga interactions. The CPC stands ready to maintain contacts with Tonga through various channels, jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen mutual understanding, consolidate political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation across all fields and support each other in pursuing development paths that suit their respective national conditions. The Taiwan question represents the core of China’s core interests. It is hoped that Tonga will abide by the one-China principle and ensure the long-term, stable and sound development of China-Tonga relations. China stands ready to work with Tonga and other Pacific Island countries to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, and foster a closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island countries. 

Vaea stated, Tonga speaks positively of the remarkable development achievements China has made under the leadership of the CPC and greatly appreciates the CPC’s people-centered development philosophy, which is fully reflected in China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalization strategies. Tonga firmly adheres to the one-China policy, stands ready to draw on China’s experience in state governance and administration, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and other fields, and boost Tonga’s economic and social development. 

Chen Zhou, Vice Minister of the IDCPC, and Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, Tongan Ambassador to China, attended the meeting.