Tonga has secured a new medical referral partnership with China, offering patients treatment at Shandong’s elite Qilu Hospital—a deal the government says matches India’s affordability while providing world-class facilities.
The arrangement follows after Chinese officials discovered Tonga’s established medical tourism connections with India, leading them to propose a competitive alternative.
Health Minister Dr Ana Akau’ola confirmed the arrangement but did not disclose specifics about which patients would be sent or the types of medical conditions to be treated.
She revealed that Qilu Hospital in China’s Shandong Province—one of the country’s top medical facilities—has been designated as the primary institution for Tongan patients.
Dr ‘Akau’ola also said that during her recent visit to China, she toured not only the designated hospital but also a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. She also spoke with another medical facility in the country that could assist with laboratory needs, such as X-rays.
The move comes after an invitation from the Chinese Ambassador, according Dr ‘Akau’ola, expanding on existing medical assistance that already includes six Chinese volunteer doctors working at Tonga’s main hospital.
Previously, Tonga relied on India for affordable overseas treatment, but Dr Akau’ola said China has now offered comparable costs with the added advantage of cutting-edge facilities.
“China has yet to engage in medical tourism where patients are sent abroad for care, but they have agreed to assist Tonga in the same way India has,” she said in Tongan.
“We chose India because it was cost-effective, but after discussions with China, we found the expenses would be similar, and China’s hospitals are among the most modern in the world.”
The minister praised Qilu Hospital’s standards, calling it in Tongan “‘Oku lelei” and well-equipped, though she did not provide further details on funding arrangements or patient selection criteria.
The Chinese Embassy in Tonga hailed a “New Milestone in China-Tonga Health Cooperation” early this month after Dr Ana Akau’ola visited Shandong’s Qilu Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital, culminating in the signing of a collaborative agreement.
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University is ranked among China’s elite medical institutions, placing 20th nationally and 3rd in Eastern China in a 2015 evaluation by Fudan University. It boasts six specialities on China’s ‘Best Medical Disciplines’ list, with 10 others nominated, and ranks 6th nationwide for research output, making it Shandong Province’s top hospital.
A Strategic Shift in Health Diplomacy
This development underscores China’s growing involvement in Tonga’s healthcare sector, which builds upon years of medical assistance, including equipment donations and the deployment of medical personnel.
However, it also raises questions about the long-term implications of deepening ties with Beijing, particularly since Tonga has traditionally aligned with Western and regional partners, such as Australia and New Zealand, for health support.
Some observers view the move as part of China’s broader soft-power strategy in the Pacific, where it has steadily increased its influence through infrastructure projects, disaster relief, and now healthcare initiatives.
