China has announced plans to strengthen alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Tonga’s national development strategies, using the newly signed Enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement as a platform to expand trade and investment. The commitment was made during a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and King Tupou VI, where both sides emphasised deeper cooperation in infrastructure, industry, and development programmes.
China expressed readiness to increase imports of Tongan agricultural and fishery products while encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Tonga’s economy. Both countries also plan to widen cooperation across education, health, tourism, sports, and local-level exchanges. The two sides reaffirmed support for one another’s core interests, highlighting long-standing diplomatic trust.
The renewed partnership is expected to boost clean-energy development, agriculture, disaster-mitigation planning, and broader South-South cooperation. Officials noted that stronger multilateral coordination on climate change and global governance reforms will help both countries drive sustainable development and secure shared economic benefits.
