Chinese hospital ship treats thousands in Tonga

About 3000 people in Tonga were treated onboard a Chinese hospital ship during its week-long stay, the ship's crew says.

The ship, the Ark Peace, also deployed medical staff in a helicopter to 'Eua to treat patients.

The vessel also made calls to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji during its tour of the region but skipped Solomon Islands which recognises Taiwan.