President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. (Photo/Xinhua)
China would like to continue offering economic and technological assistance to the Pacific island nation of Tonga without imposing political conditions, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.
Xi made the remark while meeting with King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga, who is making a state visit to China from Wednesday to March 8.
The leaders of China and Tonga signed a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as economy, technology, human resources and education. The two countries also issued a joint news statement.
As long as a commitment has been made, China will fulfill it, letting the people of the Polynesian nation experience a sense of gain from China-Tonga cooperation, Xi said.
China fully understands that as a developing island country, Tonga faces special challenges in economic and social development, Xi said, adding that China would like to offer a hand for Tonga's development.
China's assistance includes offering methods for development, Xi said.
Xi pointed out that the two countries should enhance high-level exchanges and all-level communications, boost political mutual trust and continue to support each other on issues related to sovereignty and national dignity.
Xi calls for joint efforts to expand practical cooperation in all areas and jointly build the Belt and Road.
The president expressed sincere sympathy for Tonga's suffering due to Cyclone Gita last month.
China and the Pacific island nations including Tonga are good friends and partners, Xi said, adding that the Communist Party of China's 19th National Congress has proposed to build a new type of international relations with the characteristics of mutual respect, justice and win-win cooperation.
The king of Tonga expressed congratulations on the success of the CPC's 19th National Congress.
Calling Xi a leader with great vision and wisdom, Tupou VI said he believed that China will produce great achievements under Xi's leadership.
"I appreciate your visionary and talented leadership. I have just finished reading your second book on the governance of China. I thought it would be heavy going, but it is very easy to understand," he said.
China and Tonga share the vision of a new type of international relations and also to build a community, he added.
Tonga firmly supports the one-China policy, and is willing to enhance cooperation with China in trade, infrastructure construction, tourism and regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.
