Dear Editor,

I am writing as a very concerned Samoan citizen in response to the alarming news of three police officers being shot, with one injured, and a Samoan citizen being held hostage by a Chinese business national.

This incident has raised serious concerns and questions that I believe need immediate attention, particularly regarding the presence of Chinese nationals in our country and the risks they may pose to the safety and security of our people.

It is alarming that such an incident has occurred, and it has made me wonder about the current process of screening foreigners entering Samoa, especially Chinese nationals. How thoroughly is immigration screening conducted? Are foreign nationals, particularly Chinese business owners, required to provide police reports from the last country they resided in for the past ten years? Is there a limit on the number of Chinese nationals allowed to enter Samoa annually or for five years? Are our immigration officials collaborating with other government bodies such as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCIL) or the International Crimes UNIT (ICU) to ensure proper vetting?

I am also concerned about the lack of enforcement when it comes to protecting Samoan businesses, especially when it comes to Chinese nationals taking over our local industries. There have been numerous instances where Chinese businesses have replaced traditional Samoan handcraft designs with mass-produced items from online platforms such as Alibaba. How effective is Samoa’s intellectual property protection? Are our traditional designs being protected from infringement by foreign entities?

Moreover, there are growing concerns about the hidden operations of Chinese nationals in various sectors. Some are allegedly secretly operating rentals, serving as agents for customs and immigration, and even acting as tax agents. There have also been rumours of Chinese nationals establishing a political presence in Samoa. These actions only add to my growing unease. While some argue that Chinese businesses make life cheaper for Samoans, I wonder how much value this truly adds to our economy when the products being sold are of poor quality and expire within a short period.

I also question the safety of our people in light of these developments. With incidents like the one involving police officers and the hostage situation, it is becoming evident that some Chinese nationals may be arming themselves with weapons for protection. This raises concerns about the potential for further violence, and I fear that Samoa is becoming a breeding ground for criminal activity, influenced by external actors who do not have our best interests at heart.

The Samoan government needs to take immediate action to address these pressing issues. We cannot afford to ignore these warnings, as it seems we are opening the door for greater problems in the future. I urge the government to stop engaging in petty political disputes and focus on safeguarding the future of our country and its people.

Please, take this plea seriously and prioritise the safety and well-being of all Samoans.

Sincerely,

Savusa P L Sopoaga