On January 26, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Tongan Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu.
Wang Yi said, after the volcanic eruption in Tonga on January 15, the Chinese government followed the situation closely and the Chinese people felt deeply for the Tongan people. President Xi Jinping promptly sent a message of condolence to King of Tonga, and China lost no time in delivering aid supplies to Tonga, becoming the first country in the world to provide assistance to Tonga. As a good friend and partner of Tonga, China is willing to stand firmly with the Tongan people at this difficult time. The emergency supplies purchased by China in Fiji will arrive tomorrow, and more assistance is on the way. According to the needs of Tonga, China has allocated relief materials and equipment expected by the Tongan people, such as drinking water, food, generators, water pumps, first aid kits, portable cabins and tractors. Some of them will be transported to Tonga by Chinese military aircraft tomorrow morning, and the rest will be shipped by Chinese naval ship. The two sides should ensure a smooth handover, so that the relief materials could be sent without delay to the parts of Tonga most in need.
Wang Yi said, the Chinese government very much cares about Chinese citizens and institutions in Tonga, and hopes and believes that the Tongan government will ensure their safety. China believes that under the leadership of King of Tonga and the government, Tonga will be able to prevail over this natural disaster at an early date.
Wang Yi stressed, currently, the international community is extending a helping hand to Tonga. China stands ready to work with all willing countries to give full play to respective strengths and make international joint efforts to help Tonga rebuild its homeland.
'Utoikamanu said, after the volcanic eruption in Tonga 11 days ago, China responded quickly, becoming the first country in the world to provide emergency relief materials to Tonga. On behalf of the Tongan government and people, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to China for its assistance. Tonga will coordinate with China closely in the transportation, storage and distribution of relief materials, among others, to ensure that they are delivered to the people most in need as quickly as possible.
'Utoikamanu said, China is the largest developing country in the world and one of Tonga's largest development partners. I would like to thank China for its strong support in post-disaster reconstruction. Tonga highly cherishes the friendship and cooperation with China, and will continue to work with China to push for new progress of bilateral relations. I wish China all the best for the Chinese New Year in advance.
