On September 21, 2006, Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei met with Tongan Finance Minister Siosiua T. 'Utoikamanu, who was commissioned by King Tupou V to visit China.

'Utoikamanu said King Tupou V and the Tongan government attach great importance to developing ties with China and will continue to adhere to a set policy of "looking to the East", as well as the one-China principle, in efforts to expand and strengthen China-Tonga cooperation in all areas.

He said China highly appreciates King Tupou V and the Tongan government for committing to bilateral ties and is ready to work with Tonga to push for the friendly relations between the two countries.