A social media-driven fundraising campaign for young Tongan women reportedly stranded in China has raised concerns among some community members, who question its necessity and credibility as authorities in Tonga and China are already engaged in the case.
As Kaniva News reported previously, Tongan woman Aloi Katoa went live on Facebook claiming that three Tongan girls who had travelled to China for marriage had encountered serious difficulties and were in urgent need of returning home, adding that one of the girls was her niece.
The claims were followed by a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, which said it was working with the Tongan Embassy in China to assess the situation.
The embassy stated that, based on information available so far, the matter appeared to involve “transnational marriage disputes” and confirmed that Chinese police were assisting the women, with no evidence at this stage to substantiate allegations of human trafficking.
It added that if any non-compliance were identified on the Chinese side, the women’s lawful rights and interests would be protected under Chinese law.
Meanwhile, Tonga Police yesterday issued a public advisory urging caution, asking the public not to treat unverified allegations as established facts while confirming that an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Grassroots fundraiser emerges
Despite the involvement of both governments, an independent fundraising campaign has since emerged on social media.
A woman using the Facebook name Sulieti Lupe Latu—whose profile indicates she is currently in China and assisting efforts to return the alleged victims home—said she became involved after being approached by family members and out of a personal desire to help, emphasising that she is not related to the women.
Latu’s post outlined urgent financial needs, including accommodation and travel costs.
She said relatives in the United States had funded a seven-day hotel stay, which was due to expire this week. Extending the accommodation, she said, would cost approximately US$295.
The most pressing concern, she said, was securing airfare, estimating tickets from Hong Kong to Tonga via Nadi at between US$1,300 and US$1,500 per person.
Latu also shared Western Union, Zelle and PayPal details, encouraging supporters to donate directly or through her assistance.
Concerns Over Online Fundraising
While many social media users expressed sympathy and offered support, others urged caution, raising concerns about informal fundraising campaigns and warning against sending money without independent verification.
Some commenters also questioned why donations were not being coordinated through official channels, given the involvement of the Tongan Embassy in China.
“No one knows who you are,” one commenter wrote in response to Latu.
Another described the details in her post as unusual, asking why those wishing to provide financial assistance were not being directed instead to the Tongan ambassador in China, who they said would have verified information about the case.
Neither the Chinese Embassy nor the Embassy of Tonga in China has issued any public appeal for financial assistance. Authorities have encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact official channels as investigations continue.
