Tonga has "benefited remarkably from the assistance provided by China", the Tongan government said in a statement issued Feb 5, responding to a report published by The Australian earlier.

The report, published Jan 29 and entitled "Pacific nations drowning in Chinese debt", criticized China's aid to the island country.

"Tonga's achievements to date in the area of national development is much rendered to China’s responsive program of economic and technical cooperation and have focused on key priority areas and key infrastructure," the Tongan government said.

"In the wake of the riots in 2006, the Government of Tonga had no choice but to welcome the assistance offered promptly by the People’s Republic of China with the rebuilding of the Nuku’alofa Central Business District in our road to recovery," it said. "The diplomatic relations between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga will continue to remain strong.

"The Government of Tonga is exceedingly grateful and very appreciative of all aid funds conceded either by loan or grant to Tonga by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Australia."