Beijing, China - Aug 20, 2018 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Lu Kang, spokesman for Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, walking to rostrum
2. Various of reporters
3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lu Kang, spokesman, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (starting with shot 2):
"The government of Tonga issued a statement on August 17 to clarify the relevant report, and Prime Minister Pohiva himself also cleared up his remarks in an interview. They all spoke highly of China-Tonga relations, expressed their great appreciation to China's recent years of assistance in various forms, and made clear that the Pacific Islands Forum is not a proper venue to discuss the debt issue and that Tonga and China will properly resolve the relevant issue through friendly consultations via bilateral channels."
4. Various of press

The government of Tonga has clarified its stance on the debt issue concerning China, saying that China and Tonga are strategic partners that respect each other and seek common development, said Lu Kang, spokesman for Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press briefing on Monday.

Lu's remarks came after AFP recently reported on the remarks by the Prime Minister of Tonga concerning his country's debts to China.

"The government of Tonga issued a statement on August 17 to clarify the relevant report, and Prime Minister Pohiva himself also cleared up his remarks in an interview. They all spoke highly of China-Tonga relations, expressed their great appreciation to China's recent years of assistance in various forms, and made clear that the Pacific Islands Forum is not a proper venue to discuss the debt issue and that Tonga and China will properly resolve the relevant issue through friendly consultations via bilateral channels," said Lu.

The spokesman said that China and Tonga are strategic partners that respect each other and seek common development. China will continue to do its best to support and assist Tonga and other Pacific Island countries in their pursuit for sustainable development.