Beijing: In a significant diplomatic meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Tuesday to deepen development cooperation with the Kingdom of Tonga, signaling a renewed phase of strategic alignment between the two nations.
Speaking at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi told King Tupou VI of Tonga that China would strengthen the “alignment of development strategies” with the Pacific island nation. He promised to expand cooperation in a broad range of sectors: trade, investment, infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, tourism and climate change response.
Xi framed this cooperation under the umbrella of South–South cooperation, underscoring China’s commitment to support Tonga’s economic and social development in a way that respects its sovereignty and long-term ambitions. He also reiterated that China would “continue to support Tonga in safeguarding its national independence and sovereignty,” regardless of how the international landscape evolves.
However, the announcement comes against a backdrop of notable financial tensions. Tonga reportedly owes US$112 million to China’s Export-Import Bank, which constitutes nearly half of its external debt. These repayments particularly for loans previously used to rebuild parts of Nukuʻalofa after 2006 riots have emerged as a contested issue in Tonga’s 2025 national budget.
From China's perspective, Tonga could be held up as a model partner under President Xi’s Belt & Road Initiative, reflecting Beijing’s broader ambition to deepen its presence in the Pacific region. For Tonga, this renewed engagement may provide much-needed capital, especially for climate-resilient infrastructure, though debt sustainability remains a central concern.
Amid these overtures, analysts are watching closely: while the promises of aid and investment are welcome, they raise deeper questions about debt diplomacy whether this engagement is purely developmental or also a mechanism for political influence.
King Tupou VI expressed gratitude for China’s support, especially for infrastructure development, as per the Chinese readout of the meeting.
This pact comes at a time when Tonga itself is navigating economic pressures. According to a recent IMF report, although Tonga’s economy expanded in the fiscal year 2025, the nation faces long-term structural challenges: high vulnerability to climate shocks, outward migration, and a narrow economic base.
As China and Tonga move forward, their relationship seems poised to deepen but whether it will deliver sustainable development or amplify financial risk for Tonga remains to be seen.