Funding of USD$1.5 million (SAT$4 million) has been allocated by American Samoa to develop a portion of land in Moata'a, Samoa which was approved by the Samoa Government for the territory's use.

This funding allocation was confirmed by the American Samoa government-run television station KVZK TV this week. The funding allocation is included in the U.S. territory's $25.5 million funding for special programmes for the year 2024, which is an increase compared to the last fiscal year when $19.58 million was earmarked.

The land portion in Moata'a is part of a land swap between the two neighbours whereas the lease is for nine months. 

According to the KVZK TV report, the Attorney General for the American Samoa government informed their Senate that there is an existing lease between the two governments. 

"The Attorney General made it clear the condition of the leases is precisely the same for land here and in Samoa.  In June, ASG hired a Silva Group to clear the land in Moata’a. 

"The land allocated for the Samoa Government is in Petesa, next to the Department of Health. The land lease agreement was signed in the territory in early March during the Atoa o Samoa talks. 

"Senator Malaepule Fuena Moliga queried how the land swap would benefit the public. Fainuulelei further explained that various services will be offered once an office is established in Samoa, not only for US nationals residing there but also for services between the two Samoa, including trading, which will benefit both governments."

Initially, the Samoa Government allocated land in Avele for the U.S. territory's office. However, the territory turned down the offer, saying it was too close to the yet-to-be-constructed Chinese Embassy.

At the end of the second Atoa o Samoa summit in Apia in October last year, Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa instructed the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment to look for new land in Apia.

The Chinese Embassy in Apia is currently located in Vailima on the opposite side of the road from the Le Manumea Hotel, which is further down the road from the Avele block of land the Samoa Government had initially earmarked for the territory to lease. 

It is understood the new premises of the Chinese Embassy is being built not far from Avele and is directly opposite the residence of the U.S. head of mission at Vailima. Under the outcomes document released to the media after the summit last October, the U.S. territory said it had asked for a "reconsideration of the Samoa Government in that regard”. 

No reasons were given by either American Samoa or the Samoa governments on why the Pago Pago administration turned down the land identified for leasing at Avele. 

However, Samoa and other Pacific island nations have been at the centre of geopolitical wrangling between China and the U.S. and its allies in recent years, with American President Joe Biden meeting with regional leaders, including Prime Minister Fiame in Washington D.C. in September last year.