In a major step forward for Pacific disaster resilience, Tonga has become a new member of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) international cooperation framework for disaster risk reduction and emergency management.

Tonga was among seven countries recently added to the mechanism during a ministerial meeting in Sanya, Hainan Province, China.

During the event, Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet Paula Ma’u delivered remarks and held bilateral talks with Chinese counterparts. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Tonga stated, “China and Tonga are both disaster-prone countries, strengthening disaster management cooperation between us meets our actual needs.”

This development comes amid growing attention to the Pacific region’s vulnerability to climate-change driven hazards like cyclones, storms and volcanic eruptions. Seven firefighters from Tonga Fire & Emergency Services participated in a “Belt and Road Emergency Rescue Exercise for Pacific Island Countries” in November 2024.

The BRI framework, launched by China in 2021, aims to build a structured platform for disaster-risk cooperation among member states. For Tonga, membership offers access to training, early-warning systems, technical assistance and international coordination. BRI now includes 34 member states and three international organisations.

Observers say this move could strengthen Tonga’s disaster preparedness infrastructure, but they also note that effective outcomes will depend on sustained implementation, financing and alignment with local priorities.