Prime Minister's clarification on the Tonga's development partnership with China Featured
Prime Minister of Tonga Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva
20 August, 2018. Further to his separate interviews published by the Samoa Observer, Reuters-NZ, and ABC Radio, which were subsequently picked up by other media outlets, the Prime Minister, Hon Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva would like to make a further statement of clarification:
1. Tonga-China relations cover various areas of development cooperation, and concessional loans and development assistance are an important part of that partnership. After the riots in 2006, the Tongan government had sought help for reconstruction from many countries and the People’s Republic of China was the only country that was willing to provide concessional loan on a large scale, which turned out to be crucial for the Kingdom’s economic recovery and maintenance of social stability.
2. Over the years, China has been aiding Tonga in different forms including grants for infrastructure, construction of roads, schools, convention center, government buildings, as well as technical cooperation, material in-kind assistance and cash grants. All such development aid has greatly facilitated Tonga’s development in various aspects and helped improve the livelihood of the Tongan people, for which the Tongan government and people are exceedingly grateful.
3. Regarding my reported comments, after further reflection, I now believe that the Pacific Islands Forum is not the proper platform to discuss this debt issue. Each Pacific Island country has its particular national conditions and different needs for foreign loan, and it’s up to each government to independently seek solutions through bilateral channels.
4. I also wish to clarify that China has never claimed to collect the debts or take the assets from Tonga in any way, and the governments of Tonga and China have maintained contacts regarding the repayment of the concessional loans. Our two sides will continue to engage with each other for proper solutions through friendly consultation.
5. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tonga and China. The Tonga government attaches great importance to its relations with the People’s Republic of China, and is ready to work together with the Chinese side to further carry out the consensus reached by our two Heads of State and further push forward our Strategic Partnership, so that we will bring more benefits to our two peoples.
-Prime Minister's Office
4 comments
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According to world media China is winning in her conquest of poor nations by giving out unlimited loans which is long term and is of very low interest , so come one come all , take now pay later . As the well informed leader stated China was the only country willing to help Tonga in her hour of need , but at what cost ? Because China knows that , money to the impoverish Pacific nations is too much of a temptation to resist thereby the " DEBT TRAP " ????? is it too late to learn ?.
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Does the Premier realise he's not only shamed himself but he also dragged Tonga name in the mud too , how dare he do such a thing . His leadership is in crisis and he should GO ! For heavens sake man GO ! you had your chance and you failed miserably. You have become the laughing stock of the Pacific Forum , Leaders from among the Forum are whispering and snickering behind your back and you don't know it , what a clown . The Premier said during an interview with the Samoan Observer , something to the effect that he's wary that if Tonga does not square up to China and work out some deal for paying her debt , China will demand access to port facilities or .territory , now he's back flip denying he ever said such a thing . How could he not see the fate that's awaiting the country under his leadership Stop the chaos NOW .Does the Premier truly believe he could do better than the eight countries already under the shadow of the Bamboo Curtain ,. Has he not heard of the" debt trap" The man has made so many ignominies decision its beyond belief .GET OUT let Tonga regain her respectability from among the Pacific island nations again .
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Kuo taimi ke ave etau Palemia o sivi faka'atamai. Kuo fuu lahi ene maumau kuo fakahoko pea oku ikai keu iloi pe ko hono kei fakaoleole'i ke ha. Heikai keu fakaanga au kapau e toe dissolve e Puleanga. Oku fuu kovi aupito.
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Fai ai pe 'uluaki pango 'o 'uli e talausese pea toki tuli tonuhia. Koe me'a ia 'oku tala ai ke 'ave ha kakai lelei ke fai e fale'i pea 'ofa mai 'o tuku a e kaaimu'a moe fiepoto. Fai ai pe fakamahamahalo moe anga'i ngutulau.