Top legislator Wu Bangguo said China appreciated the adherence of the royal family, government and parliament of Tonga to the one-China policy on Monday.

 

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks when meeting with Tuihaangana, speaker of Tonga Legislative Assembly.

 

Wu said China-Tonga relations had developed smoothly and mutual trust had increased. Their economic cooperation had a bright future although the current bilateral trade was still small, he added.

 

Facts showed that China-Tonga relations based on equality and reciprocity benefited both and were conducive to regional peace and development, he said, adding that China would like to further the relations with all Pacific island countries including Tonga.

 

Wu said China was ready to enhance cooperation with Tonga on fishery and tourism and the NPC would further exchanges with the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.

 

Tuihaangana said the Legislative Assembly of Tonga would contribute to the development of China-Tonga relations and would increase the personnel exchanges and cooperation with the NPC in all fields.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)