FM vows assistance for Tonga in visit

China would take concrete actions to help Tonga accelerate recovery and reconstruction following its volcanic eruption, visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

He made the pledge when meeting with Tupou VI, King of Tonga, in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday.

As China is a developing country, Wang said China deeply understands the needs and aspirations of developing countries, especially those of small-and-medium countries.

China has provided disaster relief materials after Tonga's volcanic eruption and offered anti-pandemic materials in a timely manner, Wang said.

China will respect Tonga's unique national conditions and governance model and support the island country in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and social stability, he added.

Wang also vowed the country would do its utmost to help developing countries step up development and revitalization.

Tupou VI said he appreciated China's friendship can be seen in deeds rather than verbal promises and pledged Tonga would firmly abide by the one-China principle.

He thanked the Chinese delegation for overcoming difficulties brought by the pandemic and paying visits to South Pacific countries.

The King said he was glad to see the successful holding of the second China-Pacific Island foreign ministers' meeting on Monday.

Although some people have commented on cooperation between island countries and China, he said sovereign countries have the right to choose how to engage with other countries.

He lauded China's cooperation with island countries in various fields, such as poverty reduction and climate change.

In response, Wang said China stands ready to build six new platforms for cooperation with Pacific Island countries to help them enhance their independent development abilities.

On the same day, Wang met with Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two sides.