Beijing pledges more assistance to Tonga

China will provide another three batches of emergency aid to disasterhit Tonga, including relief supplies worth 20 million yuan ($3.16 million), as Beijing scaled up its efforts to support rebuilding efforts in the Pacific island nation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the announcement at a news conference on Jan 24, saying that China will make utmost efforts to deliver the relief supplies as early as possible.

The move came after Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy on Jan 19 to King Tupou VI of Tonga after the disaster, saying that China will do its best to help the people of Tonga.

In addition to relief supplies, Zhao said Beijing will provide further emergency humanitarian aid in cash, without disclosing the amount. The Red Cross Society of China has already provided a donation of $100,000 in cash.