King of Tonga to visit China

BEIJING -- At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Tonga's King Tupou VI will pay a state visit to China from Feb 28 to March 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Monday.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tonga, Lu told a regular press briefing.

Both Xi and Premier Li Keqiang will meet the king during his visit, Lu said.

King Tupou VI will also visit Zhejiang, Hainan and Guangdong provinces, Lu said.

In November 2014, the leaders of China and Tonga reached consensus on a strategic partnership, Lu said, noting that bilateral ties have made rapid progress since then.

Both countries have had frequent high-level visits and close contacts at all levels, Lu said, noting cooperation in trade, agriculture and fisheries, infrastructure, people-to-people and local exchanges.

Lu said China and Tonga also coordinate in international and regional affairs.

China is willing to work with Tonga to enhance political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation to benefit the two peoples, Lu said.