As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi convened the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Xiamen this week, a Tongan student's story emerged as a symbol of grassroots cultural diplomacy. Semisi Latu, a 100,000-strong island nation native studying at Beijing Language and Culture University, shared his vision for China-Tonga relations with CGTN Stringer against the backdrop of high-level talks attended by representatives from 11 Pacific nations.
Hailing from Tonga's 170-island archipelago, Latu emphasized the alignment between traditional Tongan values of mutual respect and humility with China's partnership approach. 'From discovering Jackie Chan movies in 2011 to savoring Sichuan hotpot today, China's culture keeps revealing new layers to me,' said the youth, whose journey mirrors growing people-to-people exchanges.
The diplomatic meetings yielded concrete plans for climate cooperation and sustainable development, while Latu's narrative highlights the human dimension: 'Fruitful outcomes in education exchanges could help more Pacific islanders understand China's development story.' His remarks come as both nations explore expanded collaboration in fisheries, renewable energy, and cultural preservation.
