Great Hall protocols move to island province

SANYA, Hainan: Amid the cool ocean breeze and swaying coconut trees, the ceremony to welcome Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou V on Hainan island laid claim yesterday to being the first ever State reception for a foreign leader outside Beijing.

The Tongan King also became the first foreign leader to inspect the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army by the sea in the southernmost province.

Since 1949, China has held its State welcome ceremony either inside or outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.