Xi sends message of sympathy to Tonga king

President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy on Wednesday to King Tupou VI of Tonga over the nation's suffering from a volcanic eruption and tsunami, saying that China will do its best to help the people of the Pacific island country get through the disaster and rebuild their homes.

In the message, Xi said he was shocked to learn that a volcanic eruption and tsunami have brought about major losses to the nation.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, Xi expressed heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Tonga, adding that the two nations are comprehensive strategic partners that support each other and always stand in solidarity.

Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of sympathy to Siaosi Sovaleni, the prime minister of Tonga, on Wednesday.

A tsunami hit Tonga on Saturday, following the violent eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, 65 kilometers north of the country's main island of Tongatapu.

The deaths of three people－two Tongans and a British national－have been confirmed by the government of Tonga.