The Chinese Government has given Tonga  further relief efforts for the Ha’apai victims which will include a grant of USD $600,000 in cash on Mon 10.

China's ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr Huang Huaguang along  with Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano will sign the agreement documents  in a  ceremony today, February 12.

The Lord Prime Minister acknowledged the proactive relationship between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga.

“Tonga is extremely thankful for this tremendous assistance that the Government and the People’s Republic of China has always been giving to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga,” remarked the Lord Prime Minister.

“I hope that exchanges and cooperation in various fields between our two countries will continue to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship shared between our two nations,” added the Prime Minister.

Last month, the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Ian struck the Ha’apai Group, causing vast devastation to the islands, displacing more than 5,000 people and destroying over 800 homes.

Emergency supplies valued at TOP $10,000.00 were immediately dispatched by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to aid the people of Ha’apai.

Donations of constructions materials and other in-kind support were made by local businessmen from the private sector enterprises and the Chinese communities in Tonga.