King

China's foreign ministry said the visit comes at the invitation of President Xi Jin Ping.

King Tupou VI will meet with Mr Xi and Premier Li Ke Qiang.

Apart from visiting the capital, Beijing, the King will also visit the provinces of Zhejiang, Hainan and Guangdong.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said relations between the two countries have made great headway over the past 20 years.

In August the King dissolved Parliament and called elections a year early because of concerns 'Akilsi Pohiva's government had acted unconstitutionally and was trying to gather power for itself.

In the lead-up to next week's vote, the government has continued with calls for cabinet members to be added to the King's Privy Council, which advises him on governance and legal matters.

But 'Aisake Eke, who is seeking re-election for a third time, said there was no need for cabinet places on the council if the Prime Minister was doing his job.

The Lions were 12-3 up when hooker Robbie Coetzee was sent off in the 31st minute for kneeing an opponent in the head at a ruck. They scored six more tries while down to 14 men in a scintillating performance to keep the pressure on the unbeaten Crusaders who sit on 59 points. The Lions, who have also played 13 games but have suffered one loss, rest on 56 points.

 Flanker Kwagga Smith collected two tries and the Lions ultimately overran the Kings by eight tries to one for a bonus-point win.

Masa and his family were not alone. Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u attended a private royal prayer service at the consular house to pay their tribute to the deceased.

The sacred practice of kaifono allows only foreigners to take away and eat His Majesty’s fono given that the current king has no fahu or paternal aunt in Tonga to serve such cultural duty and privilege.