On November 2, 1998, the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Tonga.Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two sides in politics, economy, culture, education, health and other areas have maintained development.

In November 2014, President Xi Jinping met withPrime Minister of Tonga Tu'ivakano in Fiji and the two sides upgraded the relations to a strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual respect and common development. In March 2018, King of Tonga Tupou VI paid a state visit to China.In November 2018, President Xi Jinping visited Papua New Guinea and met with Prime Minister Pohiva, both sides agreed to upgrade the relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.

The Chinese medicalteams have been offering free medical services in Tonga since 2018. The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark paid a visit to Tonga and provided humanitarian medical services to the local people three times, respectively in August 2014, August 2018 and July 2023. In July 2024, Chinese Navy participated in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Tonga Navy.