By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | Opinion | 4 June 2025

In a region where geopolitical tides are rapidly shifting, the relationship between the Kingdom of Tonga and the People’s Republic of China has emerged as one of deepening engagement, strategic cooperation, and enduring respect. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998, China-Tonga ties have flourished—characterized by strong political trust, increasing development assistance, cultural exchange, and shared visions for the future.

At the heart of this relationship lies China’s broader policy toward Pacific Island Countries (PICs), articulated through a doctrine of “mutual respect, non-interference, and shared development.” These core principles, as laid out by President Xi Jinping, have served to underpin China’s approach not only with Tonga, but across the Pacific, signaling Beijing’s intention to build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.

The “Four Respects” and “Three Nos”: China’s Pacific Doctrine

China’s engagement with the Pacific is framed by what Xi Jinping calls the “Four Fully Respects” and the “Three Nos”:

• Four Fully Respects: Respect for Pacific countries’ sovereignty and independence, their cultural traditions, their development aspirations, and their pursuit of unity and cooperation.
• Three Nos: China does not attach political strings to aid, does not impose its will on others, and does not make empty promises.

While critics of China’s global outreach often point to debt risks and lack of transparency, Tonga’s experience suggests that Chinese engagement has remained consistently focused on development cooperation and capacity building without overt political interference.

The One-China Principle: A Pillar of Diplomatic Continuity

Tonga’s recognition of the One-China Policy has served as the bedrock of political trust between the two nations. The Kingdom has been steadfast in its position that there is only one China, that Taiwan is part of China, and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This alignment on core interests has enabled Tonga to maintain strong diplomatic access and aid flows from Beijing—without the internal political contention seen in other Pacific countries that have wavered on Taiwan.

High-Level Exchanges: A Timeline of Friendship

China-Tonga relations have been marked by regular high-level engagement. From King Tupou VI’s state visit to China in 2018 to multiple bilateral meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and successive Tongan Prime Ministers, the strategic nature of the relationship continues to mature. Most recently, the visit of Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of China’s CPPCC, to Tonga in July 2024 reaffirmed this enduring friendship.

This consistent diplomatic contact not only reinforces policy alignment but also reflects China’s desire to sustain meaningful partnerships in the South Pacific—an area often neglected by traditional Western powers until recently.

Infrastructure and Development Assistance: Tangible Contributions

China’s development assistance to Tonga has been visible and transformative:

• Infrastructure: From the Tonga National Sports Complex to the rebuilding of the Central Business District and upgrading of Tongatapu’s main roads, Chinese grants and concessional loans have supported major national infrastructure projects.
• Energy: The ongoing Wind Power Project is a symbol of China’s effort to help Tonga achieve renewable energy goals.
• Cultural Infrastructure: Projects like the China-aid Music Center at Taliai Camp and the new St George Government Office Building signal China’s long-term investment in Tonga’s institutional capacity.

These investments have helped fill gaps left by other development partners, especially in hard infrastructure where costs are often prohibitive for small island economies.

Agriculture, Education, and Healthcare: Human-Centered Development

Beyond buildings and roads, China has also invested significantly in human development:

• Agriculture: Chinese technical teams have introduced new techniques and crops to Tonga, including Juncao grass, dragon fruit, and modern pig breeding. These partnerships have reached rural communities and schools alike.
• Education and Training: More than 400 Tongan students have studied in Chinese universities under full scholarships, while thousands of Tongan officials have participated in bilateral training programs.
• Healthcare: The Peace Ark hospital ship has visited Tonga three times, providing free medical care to over 10,000 residents. In addition, China has sent medical teams and donated essential equipment, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This multi-sectoral approach shows that China views development not only in terms of infrastructure but also in people-to-people engagement and human capital investment.