In November 2024, the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata’afa paid an official visit to China, marking a significant milestone in China-Samoa relations and injecting new vitality into their partnership. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Fiame jointly outlined a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations. They reached a broad consensus on integrating the Belt and Road Initiative with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and deepening practical collaboration in areas such as climate change and marine ecology.

President Xi emphasized that Samoa was among the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Since establishing diplomatic relations nearly 50 years ago, the two countries have maintained traditional friendship, mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation.

China develops its relations with Pacific Island countries under the principles of respect, namely, respect for sovereignty and independence, respect for the will of the countries, respect for ethnic and cultural traditions, and respect for the countries' commitment to unity.

In providing assistance to Pacific Island countries, China does not attach political strings to such assistance. It neither imposes its will onto others nor makes empty promises. China's policy toward Pacific Island countries is open and inclusive, with no selfish motives, and without targeting any third party or engaging in geopolitical competition or spheres of influence.

These principles are fully reflected in China-Samoa cooperation. Both nations engage in all-round cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness. China is ready to make helping Pacific Island countries including Samoa enhance their capacity to cope with climate change a priority area of cooperation, promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, tackling global challenges, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

In terms of economic and trade cooperation, China is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Samoa, expand economic and trade cooperation, and facilitate a joint feasibility study for a free trade agreement.

The two sides also agreed to expand people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such areas including culture, youth, women, education, health, tourism, sports, and media, to ensure the friendship between China and Samoa endures for generations.

As the largest developing country, China has consistently advocated that all countries, regardless of their size, are equal and have the right to independently achieve modernisation. Over the past 75 years since its founding, the People’s Republic of China, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has achieved remarkable economic development. Particularly since the reform and opening-up, China’s economy has maintained an average annual growth rate of 8.9%, creating a miracle in the history of world economics.

Despite the complex and volatile international landscape in recent years, China’s economy has demonstrated resilience and vitality, contributing approximately 30% to global economic growth annually, according to IMF, making it a key driver of the world economy.

China's exploration of high-quality development is particularly noteworthy. In the first three quarters of 2024, China’s GDP showed steady growth, with remarkable performance in equipment manufacturing, high-tech industries, and modern services. From new energy vehicles to the digital economy, and from green energy to artificial intelligence, China’s innovation strides are making significant contributions to global sustainable development.

For example, China has become the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles and solar panels. These achievements are attributed not only to technological innovation but also to the government’s determination to deepen reforms and expand high-level openness.

Looking ahead, China’s economy is expected to maintain steady growth, providing more opportunities and momentum for global economic development, including Samoa. The successful meeting between the leaders of the two countries has also charted the course for celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.

Samoa has a proverb, “Tautua nei mo se taeao manuia”, which means “Serve now for a better tomorrow.” Similarly, a Chinese proverb states, “Predecessors planting trees, descendants enjoying the cool.” Now is the time for China and Samoa to “plant trees” together through enhanced cooperation. I firmly believe that under the guidance of the two leaders, China-Samoa cooperation will reach new heights, benefit the peoples of both nations, and contribute to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.

Fei Mingxing is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Independent State of Samoa.