The President of the Samoa Chinese Business Inc. Association, Ji Zhiming has offered his apologies to the nation and the Samoa Police for the incident last week in Siusega.

Last Friday, a Chinese national shot a police officer and held his ex-wife hostage for more than three hours at gunpoint. 

According to Ji, the incident was regretted and had brought disrepute to the Chinese community. He said as they mark the start of the Chinese New Year, they hope their apology will be accepted.

"I am very sad about what happened to the police officer. I am a person who abides by the law and it is my hope that our community here in Samoa can do the same," he said. 

"As you know, I previously donated to the Samoa Police and will be visiting the officer who is in the hospital to see and help him in any way possible. I am very sorry to the police officer and to the Samoa Police," he said.

Ji said the Chinese community in Samoa mean well and most have been in Samoa for a long time. He said for many this was their home now.

He added the Siusega incident portrayed the Chinese community in a bad picture and it was something he was not comfortable talking about.

The Chinese Community marked the start of the Year of the Snake on Wednesday. Many people would have found most Chinese businesses closed early.

The man from the Siusega incident is charged with the attempted murder of police officers, possession of illegal firearms, and other offences. He is set to appear in court on 11 February 2025, to face the charges.

It is understood that the police officer is recovering at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.