Sound ties deliver benefits to China, Tonga: ambassador

China is helping Tonga enhance capability of dealing with its most pressing issue of climate change, while Tonga is an indispensable partner in China's efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Liu Weimin said.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Nuku'alofa, which was aired on Monday, the ambassador said the bilateral relations between China and Tonga are in very good shape and the momentum is strong.

"This relationship has been going from strength to strength with the deepening of mutual political trust and fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation in various fields," said Liu.

He said both China and Tonga have gained benefits from their sound ties, citing examples including the China-aided Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, where Tonga hosted the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting from Aug. 26 to 30.

"There are a lot of testaments or demonstrations of these benefits. The Indoor Stadium of the Tonga [High] School, which is the venue of the PIF leaders' meeting this time, is a very good example. Chinese workers at this project worked day and night to complete the stadium, to make it just ready for the hosting of the 53rd PIF leaders' meeting," said Liu.

"Perhaps the most pressing issue for Tonga is climate change. I think China is trying on its part to help. We are now constructing a wind farm project which may alleviate the power shortage of Tonga and which can also help Tonga to increase, or to strengthen the renewable energy sector so that it can be more capable of dealing with climate change," the ambassador continued.

"China appreciates Tonga's adherence to the one-China principle ever since the establishment of China-Tonga diplomatic ties 26 years ago, and I think that principle is deeply rooted in this country. And, we also believe that Tonga is an indispensable partner in China's effort to build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Liu.

Sound ties deliver benefits to China, Tonga: ambassador

A handover ceremony for space seeds carried back by China's first reusable and returnable test satellite Shijian-1 was held recently in Longquan Town of Haikou City, south China's Hainan Province.

The seeds include four varieties: taro, black beans, sesame, and lotus seeds, totaling 102 grams.

These seeds were selected by the Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Longhua District, Haikou City.

After the handover, the seeds will not be immediately planted but will first be sent to the Tropical Agricultural and Forestry College at Hainan University for selection and cultivation.

This ensures that the seeds adapt to Earth’s environment while retaining their excellent qualities before they are trial-planted and promoted for broader agricultural use.

"Although we can't see any apparent differences in the appearance right now, some genetic variations have already occurred in their DNA. We need to use specific techniques to screen and identify the best seeds, which will then be developed into new varieties," said Wang Jian, professor from Tropical Agricultural and Forestry College, Hainan University.

"Our primary goal is to increase yield and promote these seeds to local farmers. Ultimately, we aim to transform technological achievements into productive forces, boosting farmers' incomes and improving agricultural efficiency," said Wang Luzhuang, Party official of the Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Longhua District, Haikou City.

Space breeding involves sending plant materials, such as seeds, into space via returnable satellites and manned spacecraft.

These seeds are exposed to cosmic rays, microgravity, high vacuum, and other space environmental factors, inducing genetic mutations.

Once they return to the Earth, these mutated seeds are selected and cultivated to breed new crop varieties. This innovative agricultural technology injects new vitality into the development of agriculture and has the potential to increase yields and improve crop resilience.

Space seeds handed over in China's Hainan Province for selection, cultivation before planting