China Tonga Communique Establishing Diplomatic Relations

The Government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Kingdom of Tonga, proceeding from the interests and wish of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from November 2, 1998.

The two Governments have agreed to develop friendly relations between the two nations on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The Government of the People's Republic of China recognizes the national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Tonga and supports the efforts of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga to develop its national economy.

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga have decided through consultation to provide each other with all the necessary assistance for the establishment and performance of functions of each other's embassies in their respective capitals in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations done in 1961 and international practice, and on a reciprocal basis.

(Signed) (Signed) Tang Jiaxuan 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata For the Government of the For the Government of the People's Republic of China Kingdom of Tonga

Beijing, October 26, 1998