国内英语新闻：Chinese president, Tongan king exchange messages to celebrate 10th anniversary of diplomatic

BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou V exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.

    Hu said in the message that the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries on Nov. 2, 1998 opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.

    Over the past 10 years, the bilateral ties have been continuously solidified and strengthened, he added.

    Hu said the establishment and development of bilateral ties have brought real benefits to the two peoples and promoted the stability and development of the Pacific Islands Region.

    China is willing to make joint efforts with Tonga, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, to further strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, boost the two peoples' friendship and understanding and lift China-Tonga friendly and cooperative ties to a higher level, thus making new contribution to the stability, development and progress of the two countries and the region as a whole, he said.

    Tupou V said it was farsighted for former King Taufa'ahau TupouIV to make the decision to build diplomatic ties with China 10 years ago.

    The development of the ties has benefited the two peoples greatly, he said, adding the Tongan government will continue to abide by the one-China policy.