By Joe Cash and Shi Bu, Reuters
Tonga’s King Tupou VI and China’s President Xi Jinping shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 25 November 2025.
Photo: AFP / Pool / Maxim Shemetov
- Tonga’s King Tupou VI visits China
- Beijing is vying with West for influence across Pacific
- The Pacific Island nation is heavily indebted to China
- Tonga also receives millions each year in Australian, US aid
China’s President Xi Jinping pledged fresh investment in Tonga when he met King Tupou VI of the South Pacific island nation in Beijing on Tuesday, as the Asian giant works to extend its influence across the Asia-Pacific.
Home to about 108,000 people, Tonga is among the small states at the centre…