On November 26, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made statements during the regular press briefing.
A journalist noted that Samoa Prime Minister Fiame is on an official visit to China and referred to previous statements that this visit is seen as an opportunity to build a closer China-Pacific Islands community of shared future. Additionally, a report published by Australia’s Lowy Institute for International Policy stated that China has become the second-largest bilateral aid provider in the Pacific Island region and has adopted a more competitive and politically targeted new aid model. The journalist asked for further details on this matter.
Mao Ning responded:
Samoa is one of the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and one of the first Pacific Island nations to sign a cooperation memorandum under the “Belt and Road Initiative.” There are many signs of China-Samoa cooperation visible in Samoa. The Faleolo International Airport, supported by Chinese companies, stands as one of the most modern airports in the South Pacific; the government building constructed by China has been featured on Samoa’s new banknotes and has become a popular spot for locals.
The friendly cooperation between China and Samoa reflects China’s cooperation with Pacific Island countries. China has consistently adhered to the “four basic respects” principle in developing relations with Pacific Island countries, offering economic and technical assistance without attaching any political conditions. China has implemented nearly 500 aid and concessional loan projects, helping islands build infrastructure such as roads, bridges, docks, hospitals, and schools, providing training for more than 10,000 people, and improving the welfare of local people. China also actively supports Pacific Islands in implementing the “Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy,” assisting in creating new platforms for tackling climate change, agricultural cooperation, poverty reduction, and development.
China will continue to engage in comprehensive cooperation with Pacific Island countries based on equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, openness, and inclusiveness, and will continue to contribute to the development of these islands.