Wang Yi Holds Talks with Tongan Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu

On May 31, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Tongan Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu in Nuku'alofa.

Wang Yi said, under the guidance and care of the two heads of state, China-Tonga relations have maintained sound and steady development, and mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the Tongan people and making positive contributions to regional peace, stability and development. During this visit, the two sides have reached extensive consensus on deepening cooperation in various fields and advancing Belt and Road cooperation, and signed a batch of economic cooperation agreements. The two sides should step up coordination, follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and give full play to the positive effect of cooperation, so as to help Tonga's post-disaster reconstruction and economic development.

Wang Yi said, an important takeaway from China-Tonga exchanges is that we have always respected and supported each other and lent a helping hand when the other side encountered difficulties and challenges. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Bilateral relations have withstood the test at a critical moment and our friendship has been further elevated. We appreciate Tonga's firm adherence to the one-China principle, understand and support Tonga's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, and support Tonga in accelerating development and revitalization and playing an active role in regional and international affairs. China is ready to deepen political mutual trust, cement the foundation of bilateral relations, continue to echo each other in the international arena, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

'Utoikamanu said, China is Tonga's long-term and important partner. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Tonga has clearly felt China's friendship from its strong support and help, which also gives us full confidence in post-disaster reconstruction and defeating the pandemic. Tonga also sticks to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle. Tonga and China will continue to respect, trust and support each other, and constantly push forward the bilateral strategic partnership. Tonga will actively participate in Belt and Road cooperation and promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The two sides exchanged views on cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and agreed to take the opportunity of the just successfully held second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting. Wang Yi said, based on equal-footed full consultation, a new consensus on how to deal with the complex and volatile international and regional situation has been reached at the Foreign Ministers' meeting. That embodies new strides in promoting overall mutual trust and cooperation between China and PICs. After the meeting, China issued the Position Paper on Mutual Respect and Common Development with Pacific Island Countries and put forward the vision and proposal for cooperation in the next stage to better meet the expectations of PICs. We are ready to further build consensus and form synergy with PICs to achieve common development and prosperity.

Wang Yi stressed, as developing countries, China and South Pacific Island Countries have extensive consensus, similar concerns and common missions. We are good friends understanding and trusting each other. Recently, some people attacked and discredited China's cooperation with South Pacific Island Countries, claiming that China will increase its military presence in PICs. This is complete misinformation. China has no intention to compete with anyone, let alone vie for geopolitical interests or create a so-called "sphere of influence". Zero-sum games, which will only lead to a lose-lose situation, have no place in China's diplomatic tradition. China stands for win-win cooperation, treats all countries as equals and is ready to develop friendly relations with all countries. What we support is greater democracy in international relations, multilateralism and the centrality of the United Nations. What we oppose is unilateral bullying, colonial mentality and pointing fingers at small and medium-sized countries in a condescending manner. China has offered solid support for PICs in developing their economies, improving people's well-being and maintaining stability. Such efforts are still ongoing. We are ready to set an example for all parties in helping PICs accelerate their development and look forward to cooperating and making joint efforts with all countries willing to support PICs.

'Utoikamanu said, as an old Chinese poem goes, "A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near", Tonga will always be an "island of friendship" for Chinese friends.

Echoing 'Utoikamanu, Wang Yi also cited two lines from an ancient Chinese poem," A long journey proves the stamina of a horse, and the passage of time tells the true from the false." He said, China will be a true and reliable friend of Tonga and other PICs.