Political Lens

Tonga's king to pay state visit from Friday

King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga will pay a state visit to China from Friday to Nov 27 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

This marks the king's first state visit to China in seven years, which holds great significance for advancing bilateral relations, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. China regards Tonga as a good friend and a good partner in the Pacific Island region, she said.

During the visit, the two sides will engage in in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern, according to Mao.

Meeting sets priorities for capital's development

A meeting on the planning and construction of the Chinese capital on Thursday urged stronger support for the central government's administrative functions and firm, orderly progress in relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the capital.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Capital Planning and Construction Committee, spoke at the meeting.

The meeting called for greater efforts to better support the construction of Xiong'an New Area, enhance the protection and use of cultural relics and further promote urban renewal.

China Daily