From November 20 to 28, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is paying an official visit to China. Although Samoa may be unfamiliar to some, this South Pacific island nation, which sits near the International Date Line, is an old friend of China.

Currency serves as a country's best "business card," with each banknote design reflecting its unique history and culture. As someone who has travelled to various countries collecting banknotes featuring projects constructed by China, I shared stories about these banknotes at the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in 2019. The depiction of the Chinese-aided government building on Samoa's 50 Tala banknotes exemplifies China's commitment to supporting the economic and social development of this South Pacific island nation.

In the heart of Apia, Samoa's capital, stands the Chinese-aided government building, which was inaugurated in 1993. This office space for the Samoan government has become a popular wedding photoshoot location since it appeared on the new 50 Tala banknote. Despite the severe damage caused by an 8.0-magnitude earthquake in 2009, the Chinese-aided government building remained steadfast and unharmed.

Samoan banknotes are rich in details showcasing the bond between China and Samoa. A close look at the 10 Tala banknote reveals the inscription "2007 Hong Kong International Sevens Rugby Champions," commemorating Samoa's victory in the international rugby tournament held in the Hong Kong Special Administrate Region (HKSAR), China, in 2007. The 100 Tala banknote features Malietoa Tanumafili II, Samoan paramount chief who was O le Ao o le Malo (head of state) of Samoa from its independence in 1962. He was deeply impressed by China's diplomatic stance that all countries are equal members of the international community, regardless of whether they are big or small, strong or weak and rich or poor, during his visit to China in 1976, a year after Samoa established diplomatic relations with China.

These stories encapsulated in currency are just one aspect of the China-Samoa friendship; many other areas also reflect the strong ties between the two nations.

First, the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots. At the end of the 19th century, Chinese contracted laborers arrived in Samoa, becoming an integral part of its history and economic development. Chinese immigrants and their descendants have significantly contributed to the local progress. Current Samoan officials greatly value their relationship with China. Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi visited China nine times, while current Prime Minister Fiame has visited five times in various capacities, setting positive examples for China-Samoa cooperation.

Second, from physical infrastructure to "soft connectivity," Chinese contributions are evident everywhere. From Faleolo International Airport to the Samoan government building, from the international conference center to the largest comprehensive sports venue, and from the China-Samoa Friendship Park and Cultural Arts Center to Apia Park, the imprints of China-Samoa cooperation are widespread. Upgraded by Chinese enterprises with support from the Export-Import Bank of China and the World Bank, Faleolo International Airport has become a modern gateway of Samoa, fostering local economic growth and sustainable development. Besides infrastructure, over the past 49 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975, China has engaged in practical cooperation with Samoa in healthcare, education and other fields, training more than 2,300 personnel. This collaboration has immensely advanced "soft connectivity."

Third, agricultural cooperation has played a vital role in poverty alleviation. The China-Samoa demonstration farm, which ended Samoa's reliance on imported watermelons, is now the largest and most comprehensive agricultural demonstration project among China's aid to Pacific island countries. Recent years have seen continuous agricultural technical assistance from China to Samoa, promoting Juncao technology, which not only boosts local agricultural production and food security but also helps many farmers escape poverty.

In 2018, Samoa became the first South Pacific country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation with China, aimed at enhancing mutually beneficial partnerships. By switching time zones to return to the Eastern Hemisphere, Samoa has positioned itself as one of the earliest countries to welcome dawn, driven by the goal of actively integrating more into the economically vibrant Asia-Pacific region.

Shen Shiwei is a CGTN Digital reporter, and analyst on international relations and the BRI projects and programs. The opinions expressed are his and not those of the newspaper.