King Tupou VI of Tonga has begun a week-long state visit to China, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The King will be in China from November 21 to 27, with the trip expected to focus on development support, climate resilience and the two countries’ growing political ties.

China’s Foreign Ministry says the visit shows the “deep friendship” between the two nations, and the King will "strengthen cooperation at a time of change for Tonga’s government".

Tonga and China have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1998, when Tonga officially recognised Beijing. Over the years, the two countries have built a partnership based on “mutual respect … equality and mutual benefit,” according to their founding joint communique.

China has backed Tonga with substantial development assistance, funding infrastructure such as roads, schools, and bridges, and offering technical cooperation in areas like agriculture, disaster management, and public health.

In recent years, the relationship has strengthened in the areas of green energy and climate resilience. In 2025, China supported Tonga’s first wind farm project, three 750kW turbines that feed into Tonga’s national grid.

From left: Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho, King Tupou VI, President Xi Jinping, and Mrs Xi in Beijing during the Tongan royals' state visit in Marsh 2018. Photo/Xinhua News Agency

The Chinese ambassador to Tonga, Liu Weimin, says Beijing sees the partnership as anchored in shared principles, including Tonga’s long-standing adherence to the “one-China” policy and pledged further cooperation in infrastructure, climate change, and aviation.

King Tupou VI's visit to China comes only a day after Tongans voted in a national election that has renewed concern over the health of the country’s young democracy.

Only 49.4 per cent of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2025 general election, well below the 62 per cent turnout in 2021.

Listen to PMN News Political Reporter Ala Vailala's update on the elections below.

Low turnout and big questions after election

Electoral Commissioner Pita Vuki told reporters that migration is a major factor behind the decline. “Many eligible voters were overseas on polling day. There is currently no overseas voting.”

He says some names remain on the electoral roll even when people have left the country, the commission cannot remove them without official notice, and there is no provision for overseas voting.

Vuki adds that the vote ran smoothly, but close races may lead to recounts. “Some of the polls themselves are a bit close… so yeah, every election we expect a recount. But it’s up to the candidates.”

Candidates have until next Thursday to lodge a request. Vuki says voting ran smoothly across the country. More than 200 polling stations operated across Tonga.

The low turnout has deepened worries about public trust in politics after a year of tension between the palace and parliament. Some political watchers say the country’s democratic reforms remain fragile.

One long-time observer says the system is “still stuck between old and new ways of governing". Another commentator says, “People are worried that power may be shifting back toward the palace and the nobles. Many feel the democratic progress of the last decade is slowing.”

Electoral Commissioner says migration is a major factor behind the low voter turnout, adding that many people on the electoral roll are now overseas, and there is currently no provision for overseas voting. Photo/PMN News

Eight new MPs and a new balance of power

The election delivered eight new members to Tonga’s 26-seat parliament, made up of 17 people’s representatives and 9 nobles’ representatives.

Six of the new MPs are first-time people’s representatives. Two new nobles’ representatives were also elected.

One of the most notable changes was the defeat of long-serving MP Samiu Vaipulu, whose political career has stretched more than three decades.

Fane Fotu Fituafe won Tongatapu 6, becoming the only woman in the new parliament.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake ‘Eke and former PM Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni both held their Tongatapu seats with strong support.

Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, left, and Caretaker Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake ‘Eke both held their Tongatapu seats with strong support. Photo/PMN News

Who will be Tonga’s next Prime Minister?

Now that the votes are counted, attention turns to the next big question: Will Tonga’s next prime minister be a noble or a people’s representative?

The new MPs will choose the prime minister in a secret ballot inside parliament.

Likely contenders include: Eke, Sovaleni, and Lord Fakafanua, who kept his nobles' seat and remains Speaker of the House.

Once the prime minister is selected, he will nominate cabinet ministers for the King to appoint. Up to four ministers may be chosen from outside parliament.

Noble Representative and Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua, is a top contender for Prime Minister. Photo/Supplied

2025 General Election results

People’s Representatives (17 seats)

Tongatapu 1: Tevita Puloka
Tongatapu 2: Semisi Sika
Tongatapu 3: Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni
Tongatapu 4: Mateni Tapueluelu
Tongatapu 5: Dr 'Aisake Eke
Tongatapu 6: Fane Fituafe (new)
Tongatapu 7: Paula Piukala
Tongatapu 8: Viliami Sisifa (new)
Tongatapu 9: Dr Sevenitini Toumo’ua
Tongatapu 10: Kapelieli Lanumata
Eua 11: Dr Taniela Fusimalohi
Ha’apai 12: Saimone Vuki (new)
Ha’apai 13: Esafe Latu (new)
Vava’u 14: Dr Moale ‘Otunuku
Vava’u 15: Dr Alani Tangitau (new)
Vava’u 16: Viliami Latu
Niua 17: Latai Tangimana (new)

Fane Fotu Fituafe, from Tongatapu 6, is the only woman MP in the new Parliament. Photo/PMN News

Nobles’ Representatives (nine seats)

Vava’u (two seats): Lord Tuiafitu (re-elected), Lord Tuilakepa (re-elected)

Ha’apai (two seats): Lord Fakafanua (re-elected), Lord Tuihaangana (re-elected)

Eua (one seat): Lord Veéhala (new)

Tongatapu (three seats): Lord Ma’afu (new), Lord Tu’ivakano, Lord Vaea

Ongo Niua (one seat): Lord Fotofili (unopposed)

Listen to Tongan pro-democracy advocate Teisa Pohiva's full interview below.

Meanwhile, the Tongan King’s visit to China will run alongside talks at home about who can unite the new parliament. Many Tongans believe this moment is crucial for their country’s future.

As one political analyst put it: “The next prime minister will decide whether Tonga continues on a democratic path or slides backwards. People are watching very closely.”

A Chinese national holds both the Tongan and Chinese flags in a symbolic gesture of friendship and solidarity ahead of King Tupou VI’s state visit to Beijing. Photo/China Daily

PMN Coverage of Tonga Election 2025 is brought to you by the Pacific Business Trust - building strong futures, together.