Chinese Embassy

Passport applications for Chinese citizens wishing to travel internationally will resume from 8 January, the immigration administration said.

It follows an announcement on Monday that ended almost three years of strict quarantine rules for arrivals.

Travel sites have since reported a spike in traffic.

But Chinese tourists will not have unfettered access to all countries.

Ambassador Ciao Xiaolin presented a cheque of $5600 paanga to the Chief Executive Officer for MEIDECCC Paula Ma'u Tuesday to sponsor prizes for the day's activities.

Ambassador Ciao said his government is committed to ensuring that China has a clean environment.

He added that is why the embassy wanted to be part of the Fanga’uta Day celebrations planned for 4 June.

The day is part of the National Environment Week programme planned by the Environment Department.

Mau’u said the ministry is to the Chinese government for the support.

Prime Minister, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Cao Xiaolin cut a ribbon to mark the handover yesterday (Tuesday).

The water tanks were donated by Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China, and made in Tonga.

The government will distribute the water tanks to families in need throughout Tonga.