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China and Tonga maintain friendly relations
By Zhao Chunzhe (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-09-25 12:33

Mahe Tupouniua, the Tonga Ambassador to China, was impressed by Beijing as a modern metropolis, he told China Daily in an exclusive interview. "I was surprised to see so many ongoing constructions projects in the mist of a global financial crisis, and I hope to witness and learn more from this great country ," he said.

During the young ambassador's visit to China he took his children to the Great Wall and also had a good time at the Beidaihe, a resort town in Hebei province.

China and Tonga established diplomatic relations in 1998.

"The two countries maintain friendly relations in accordance with the 'Five Principles of Coexistence,'" Mahe added. The King George V of Tonga visited China early last year. The prime minister also visited China during the Olympic Games. Mahe praised China for its dynamic role in the international community in ensuring peace and stability.

Seventy scholarship students from Tonga study in China now, and an increased number of tourists from China visit Tonga to enjoy the natural and unspoiled islands.

Being the only remaining Kingdom in the South Pacific, Tonga relies on international aid to build infrastructure. Ambassador Mahe also talked about China's two major challenges for the future, that would "further its economic and social development and remain peaceful coexistence with all countries."