King Tupou VI is currently in China on a week-long state visit (Nov 21–27), spotlighting the growing partnership between the Nuku’alofa and Beijing.
The itinerary includes visits to Ningde, a hub for China’s clean-energy innovation, and Xi’an, a city of profound cultural heritage.
Image: Chinese Embassy in Tonga
In Ningde, Their Majesties explored sustainable development at a local poverty-alleviation museum and toured the facilities of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), a leading global firm in battery and energy-storage technology.
According to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Tonga, conversations focused on how such technologies might support Tonga’s own renewable energy ambitions.
Image: Chinese Embassy in Tonga
Arriving in Xi’an, their third stop, the royal delegation met with Mr Zhao Yide, the Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
A highlight was a visit to the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors, where King Tupou VI expressed admiration, writing in the guest book, “What a wonderful treasure for the world of humanity that China has been entrusted with!”
Image: Chinese Embassy in Tonga
The visit takes place amid a wider context of deepening bilateral ties. Earlier this year, Tonga inaugurated a China-aided wind farm project that generates around 3.61 GWh annually, about 6 per cent of its electricity, as part of its goal to reach 100 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
While the state trip shows shared ambitions on green infrastructure, it also has diplomatic significance. China has described Tonga as a good friend and partner in the Pacific region, and officials say the visit will include in-depth exchanges on regional issues.
Observers say the visit could accelerate technology transfer and capacity building for renewable energy in Tonga. At the same time, it highlights the growing geopolitical importance of Pacific island states to global powers.
