On July 1 this year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrated its 105th anniversary of founding—a remarkable milestone for a party that has grown from just over 50 members to more than 101 million, leading a nation of 1.4 billion people through an extraordinary journey of modernization and prosperity.

But this anniversary is not merely a moment for China alone. In the Pacific, we must ask ourselves: Are we also going to celebrate, and what highlights can we be part of this historic event—not only for China, but for our region and our future?

The answer lies in recognising that China’s rise is not happening in isolation. It is occurring alongside the Pacific’s own awakening—a moment when our island nations are asserting greater agency, diversifying our partnerships, and charting our own destinies. The CPC’s 105th anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on what this evolving relationship means for Tonga, for the Pacific, and for the generations to come.

A Shared Moment of Reflection

For Tonga, the CPC’s anniversary is a reminder that our own path is equally significant. Last year, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of our remarkable constitution—the oldest in the Pacific and a testament to our enduring sovereignty and unique monarchy. Just as China has forged a distinctive growth path rooted in its national characteristics, Tonga has cultivated a governance model that reflects our culture, our values, and our aspirations.

The parallel is not coincidental. Both nations have demonstrated that development does not require abandoning identity. China’s success under the CPC is built on “seeking truth from facts”—adapting Marxist theory to Chinese realities rather than copying foreign models. Similarly, Tonga’s resilience is grounded in traditional wisdom: Lototō (Humility), Mamahi’i Me’a (Loyalty), Feveitokai’aki (Reciprocation), and Faka’apa’apa (Respect). These values guide our domestic governance and foreign policy, ensuring that our partnerships—including with China—are rooted in mutual respect.

The CPC’s anniversary invites us to celebrate not only China’s achievements, but also the broader principle that every nation has the right to pursue its own path. In a world that often pressures smaller countries to conform, this is a message of profound importance for the Pacific.

Tangible Benefits for the Tongan People

Beyond symbolism, the Tonga-China relationship delivers practical results that improve the daily lives of our citizens.

Agricultural teams from China have worked side-by-side with local farmers to introduce advanced cultivation techniques. The result? High-quality mushrooms that once cost 25 Pa’anga per kilogram are now available for just 15 Pa’anga, making nutritious food more accessible to ordinary families. Similarly, support for the livestock sector has brought us closer to egg self-sufficiency, with prices dropping from 40 to 20 Pa’anga per tray—a significant relief for household budgets.

China-aided infrastructure projects are also strengthening our resilience. The Wind Farm Project now contributes 10% of Tonga’s total electricity generation, reducing our reliance on expensive imported fuel and advancing our commitment to sustainable energy. The gardens and parking lots at the Royal Tomb have provided convenience for people’s daily life, reflecting a partnership that respects our heritage while supporting modern needs.

These are not abstract political gestures; they are concrete contributions to Tonga’s development priorities. And they are the kinds of achievements we can highlight as part of our shared celebration with China.

Respect for Sovereignty and Culture

What distinguishes China’s engagement with the Pacific is its stated principle of “Four Full Respects”: full respect for the sovereignty and independence of island nations, for their own will, for their national cultural traditions, and for their joint efforts to seek strength through unity.

This philosophy resonates deeply with Tonga’s own values. When Tongan MPs visited China recently, they returned struck by how the CPC’s people-centred philosophy permeates every facet of Chinese life—a reminder that despite our differences, we share common aspirations for the well-being of our people.

China does not demand that Tonga abandon its monarchy, its traditions, or its unique identity. Instead, it offers partnership on terms that respect who we are. This is the foundation upon which trust is built, and it is why the relationship continues to deepen.

Navigating a Changing Pacific

The Pacific region is not immune to the broader currents of great power competition. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance—comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—has long been the primary security framework anchoring the Pacific to Western interests. Its members have historically worked to ensure that the region remains within their sphere of influence.

Yet the geopolitical landscape is shifting. The United States, once the undisputed guarantor of stability in the Pacific, has in recent years adopted policies that have unsettled its traditional partners. Suspensions of foreign aid, the imposition of tariffs, and an inward-looking foreign policy have raised legitimate questions about the reliability of long-standing alliances. Pacific leaders have voiced concerns, and many are now actively diversifying their international partnerships to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Even within the Five Eyes alliance, there is growing pragmatism. Australia and New Zealand, our closest neighbours, have deepened their engagement with China, balancing security concerns with economic realities. This is not a rejection of the West, but rather an acknowledgment that the world is no longer bipolar. Tonga, too, must navigate this new reality with wisdom and foresight.