近日，汤加立法议会议长瓦埃亚勋爵（Lord Vaea）率汤加议会代表团对中国进行为期九天的正式访问。访问期间，代表团同中国有关部门开展会见，并围绕国家治理、区域合作与发展经验等议题进行交流。我院博士研究生卡迪（Kati Tuihalangingie）作为在京汤加留学生代表之一，参加了代表团与汤加在京学生的交流活动。

此次交流活动为汤加在京学生与祖国议会代表团之间搭建了宝贵的沟通平台。活动恰逢母亲节，卡迪代表汤加学生向汤加内政、就业、妇女、社会保护、青年与体育部长法内·福图·菲图阿费阁下（Hon. Fane Fotu Fituafe）献上母亲节花束，表达在华学子对祖国与家人的思念，也体现了汤加青年学生对国家领导人与女性长辈的敬意。

交流中，汤加议会代表团成员认真听取了在华学生的学习经历与成长体会。学生们表示，在中国学习不仅使他们获得了高质量的专业教育，也使他们有机会近距离观察中国的发展实践，深入理解教育、科技、基础设施建设与减贫事业在国家发展中的重要作用。代表团成员也对学生们在中国的学习生活表示关心，并鼓励他们珍惜在华学习机会，将所学知识转化为服务汤加国家发展的能力。

作为对外经济贸易大学国际发展合作学院博士研究生，卡迪结合自己在中国学习、调研和实地考察的经历，向汤加议会代表团分享了她对中国发展成就的切身体会。她谈到，中国在医疗卫生、科技创新、商业发展、交通基础设施、高速铁路、新能源汽车以及脱贫攻坚等领域取得的显著成就，给她留下了深刻印象。她认为，中国的发展经验给汤加青年学生带来的重要启示是：国家发展必须重视人的发展，必须持续投资于教育、能力建设与人才培养。

在学术交流环节，学生们也坦诚分享了在中国高校学习过程中的收获与挑战。他们高度评价中国高校的教学水平、先进技术条件和浓厚的科研氛围，同时也提到语言适应、学业压力和思乡情绪等实际困难。卡迪表示，来华学习前若能进一步加强中文基础和跨文化适应准备，将有助于学生更好地融入学习生活。尽管面临挑战，汤加学生们依然珍惜中国政府提供的学习机会，并希望未来能够将自己在中国获得的知识、技能与发展理念带回祖国，为汤加经济社会发展贡献力量。

此次交流活动气氛热烈而富有成效，不仅增进了汤加在华学生与祖国议会代表团之间的联系，也进一步体现了教育合作在人文交流和国家发展中的重要意义。代表团成员鼓励汤加学生放眼未来，努力完成学业，积极发挥中汤友好交流桥梁作用，在未来成长为服务国家、推动发展的青年力量。

对外经济贸易大学国际发展合作学院长期致力于国际发展领域人才培养，积极服务中外教育交流与发展合作。卡迪同学此次参加汤加议会代表团访华期间交流活动，展现了我院国际学生良好的学习风貌和责任意识，也体现了学院在培养全球南方国家发展人才、促进中外青年交流方面的积极作用。

Meeting with Tonga’s Members of Parliament Delegation during their Visit to China

A parliamentary delegation from Tonga led by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Lord Vaea is continuing a nine-day official visit to China, holding meetings with senior Chinese officials and taking part in political dialogue sessions focused on governance and regional cooperation.

Photo: Lord Vaea Speaker of Legislative Assembly of Tonga (in the middle) with Kati Tuihalangingie (right side of Lord Vaea,in black) and the Tongan Students in Beijing

On the 10^th May, the current Tongan students in Beijing including Kati Tuihalangingie of SIDC,UIBE were most fortunate to meet the visiting Tongan Parliament Delegation where this meeting provided a valuable platform for dialogue, reflection, and shared aspirations.

Meeting with the students was very unique as this meeting fell on Mother’s Day, Kati Tuihalangingie represented the Tongan students in presenting a Mother’s Day Bouquet of Flowers to the Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Fane Fotu Fituafe. Students were able to reminisce about home and feel the love and support of the Delegates as leaders through the encouraging dialogues.

Photo: left- Phd student Kati Tuihalangingie, right- Hon. Fane Fotu Fituafe : Minister of Internal Affairs, Employment, Women, Social Protection, Youth and Sports

The conversations exchanged between the Delegates and the students highlighted both the opportunities students have gained through their education in China and the ways government support can strengthen these experiences for the benefit of the nation.

Learning from the Development and Story of China: Invest in the People

Students emphasized the inspiration they draw from China’s remarkable development journey showing the power of consistency and collective effort. For Tongan students, observing this progress firsthand encourages them to think critically about how similar principles—discipline, unity, innovation, and strategic economic planning—could be applied in Tonga.

Photo: Left- Heleni Taimani (Tongan BA student), Lord Vaea Speaker of Legislative Assembly(in grey), Kati Tuihalangingie, Lord Ve’ehala Nobles Representative (in purple)

Kati Tuihalangingie shared with Lord Vaea and Delegates the wonderful development stories she experienced through her field trips and travels in China. She shared of the outstanding medical achievements and development of China, from technology to business, to transportation and travels, fast trains and the electric vehicles, and not forgetting the Poverty alleviation stories.  

As the conversations came to an end, a message and lesson from China was clear for the Delegates to return with to Tonga: Invest in the People.

Academic Feedback from Students

Students shared their academic experiences, noting both strengths and challenges. They highlighted the high standard of teaching, advanced technology, and strong research culture within Chinese universities. At the same time, Kati Tuihalangingie a Phd student of the School of International Development Cooperation, UIBE acknowledged the need for better preparation before departure—especially in areas such as mastering the basics of the Chinese language. The students also expressed gratitude for the opportunities the Chinese Government has offered them.

Students expressed a strong desire to use the knowledge and skills gained in China to contribute to Tonga’s development. Despite challenges—language barriers, academic pressure, homesickness—students remain committed because they understand the value of their education for themselves and for Tonga.

Photo: Lord Vaea Speaker of Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Noble Representatives, Peoples Representatives and Parliament of Tonga Delegates with  H.E ‘Utaatu Ambassador of Tonga to PRC China, Mr.Vaipulu First Secretary , Kati Tuihalangingie Phd and Tongan students in Beijing.

In conclusion, the meeting was not only constructive but also uplifting. It strengthened the relationship between Tongan students in China and national leaders, and reminded everyone that investing in education is one of the most powerful paths toward national progress. Students stand ready and motivated to serve, innovate, and contribute to Tonga’s ongoing development when given the right support and opportunities.The Delegation Members encouraged the students to look into the future with their studies as they contribute to strengthening ties between China and Tonga, and as future leaders of Tonga.

撰稿：卡迪

审核：孙碧洋、李思原