by Xinhua writer Guo Xinhui

SUVA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A heartfelt letter of thanks recently delivered to the members of the sixth batch of the Chinese medical team to Tonga highlights a story of cross-border medical cooperation and compassion.

"When we learned that his heart had multiple blocked arteries and that his condition was serious, our hearts were heavy. But you through your skills, your patience, and your gentle care gave him a second chance at life."

The letter, from the wife of a local teacher named Aisea Latu Talia'uli, expressed deep gratitude for the life-saving treatment her husband received in China and the continued care from the Chinese medical team upon his return.

Talia'uli, a teacher at Tupou College in Tonga, saw his life and work suddenly interrupted by a severe health crisis.

In May, a coronary angiography revealed severe blockages of up to 80 percent in three major coronary arteries, putting him at high risk of a life-threatening heart attack and in urgent need of coronary artery bypass surgery -- a procedure unavailable in Tonga.

The grim diagnosis and the prospect of a long wait for overseas treatment placed immense psychological and financial strain on Talia'uli and his family.

For not too long, a turning point emerged through a newly established patient referral program between Tonga and China.

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in late May with Qilu Hospital of Shandong University in eastern China, which formalized this cooperation, Talia'uli became one of the first eight Tongan patients to travel to China for treatment in July.

"He was far from home, far from his family, and placing his life into the hands of people we had never met. Yet, from the moment he arrived, you welcomed him with kindness, dignity, and hope," his wife wrote in the letter.

After comprehensive evaluations, doctors at Qilu Hospital successfully performed the crucial coronary artery bypass surgery on Talia'uli.

Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Liu Weimin noted that this mechanism for patient referrals marks a first between China and a Pacific Island country, representing a significant breakthrough in practical health cooperation.

As one of the more critical patients, Talia'uli's recovery was closely monitored by the Chinese medical team after his return to Tonga.

Team leader Zhang Gaofeng told Xinhua that the results of several follow-up examinations showed a good recovery of the patient.

Talia'uli has now returned to work. He shared that while days post-surgery are still filled with worry and fear, the ongoing support from the Chinese medical team has been a source of strength, reassurance, and peace.

China's Shandong Province has been sending medical teams to Tonga since 2018, with the six dispatched teams having provided treatment to over 33,000 local patients.

Ambassador Liu stated that these medical teams have become a shining example of Chinese aid to Tonga, earning respect through their professionalism and compassion, and fostering sincere friendships with the local people.

"We understand that each of you is far from your own homes, your families, and the place you know best. Yet you continue to serve with kindness, humility, and unwavering professionalism. Your sacrifices speak loudly of the bond of friendship between our nations -- a bond built not only on agreements, but on compassion, humanity, and love," Talia'uli's wife said in the letter.