The agreement was negotiated by Tonga’s Ambassador to China Siamelie Latu with Rear Adm. Guan Youfei, who was in Tonga recently in a goodwill visit.
Brig. Gen. Tau’aika ‘Uta’atu told Tonga Chronicle that the assistance is part of an ongoing engagement between China and Tonga’s military.
Guan is the deputy chief of China’s Defense Ministry’s Foreign Affairs Office. He conveyed how he understands that the force development of the Tonga Defense includes an increase in the number of soldiers, and his ministry is prepared to assist training of personnel.
Moreover, he said China has approved in principle the participation of its military band in the celebration of King George Tupou V birthday in August.
“China is ready to take active measure to further promote the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces,” a statement of the meeting said.
