On the afternoon of October 18, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at the Diaoyutai State Guest Hotel.

Hu Jintao said that since the establishment of China-Tonga diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed rapidly. The two countries witness frequent exchanges of visits and contacts at various levels, continuously expanded economic and trade cooperation and sustained growth of bilateral trade volume. The two sides make positive achievements in exchanges and cooperation of education, culture, health and tourism and maintain good communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China appreciates King Tupou IV for making important contributions for realizing the normalization of China-Tonga relations and thanks Tonga for supporting the one-China policy and China's righteous stance on the Taiwan issue.

Hu Jintao indicated that both China and Tonga are developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, loving peace and longing for development. Since the two countries are mutually complementary in their respective advantages, enhanced cooperation is conducive to their common development and prosperity. The Chinese government would like to work together with the Tongan government to further expand bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so that such friendly cooperation can enjoy long-term, sound and steady development.

King Tupou IV said that since the normalization of diplomatic ties, the Chinese government and people have offered precious support and help for Tonga's economic and social construction, for which Tonga would like to express thanks. Tonga gives priority to developing relations with China, will continue adhering to the one-China policy and stands ready to further expand bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields.

Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Tongan Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho, Honorary Consul General in Beijing Lupepau'u Fusitu'a, Deputy Prime Minister James Cecil Cocker, Tongan Foreign Minister Sonatane Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou attended the meeting.