American Samoan congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Coleman is raising concerns about the growing economic ties between Pacific Island nations and China, urging caution over agreements that may come with unintended consequences. 

Her remarks come in the wake of a new visa exemption agreement between Samoa and China, which she believes could have far-reaching implications for U.S. economic and security interests in the Pacific region.

In an interview, Congresswoman Amata expressed her reservations about the long-term impact of such agreements, particularly in light of China’s broader geopolitical ambitions. 

“Some would say this is an aggressive wolf in sheep’s clothing move by China, beyond mere tourism or a basic trade development proffer,” she noted. 

“As we saw with Palau, China is very good at turning on the spigot of economic growth and just as quick to turn it off when their broader policy goals are not fully embraced. I caution my friends and my Samoan family, to be careful in their embrace, and maintain a safe distance at arm’s length before embracing further. 

"Often the economic miracle promised by China does not appear in the closed loop of its implementation and ends up greatly benefitting one side far more than the other.”

The new agreement, signed in January 2025, will allow visa-free travel between Samoa and China, potentially boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. 

However, Congresswoman Amata warns that while this may seem like an opportunity for increased engagement, the cost could be higher than anticipated for U.S. allies and partners in the region, especially in terms of economic and security risks.

On 23 January 2025, Samoa and the People's Republic of China officially signed the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption during a ceremony marking the Chinese Spring Festival. 

The agreement allows citizens from both nations to travel between the two countries without requiring a visa, potentially unlocking new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (M.P.M.C.), Agafili Shem Leo, who signed on behalf of the Samoan government. 

On the Chinese side, Ambassador Fei Mingxing represented the Government of China in the formalisation of the agreement.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the agreement, particularly for the tourism and business sectors. “The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption will benefit both countries substantially through ease of international travel,” she stated. 

This agreement is a result of high-level discussions between Prime Minister Fiame and Chinese President Xi Jinping, following the Samoan leader’s official visit to China in November 2024. The agreement also comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which were established in 1975.

Congresswoman Amata’s concerns about China’s growing influence in the Pacific come at a time of heightened scrutiny over regional security. She stressed that the US must take proactive steps to safeguard its interests in the region, including rethinking past policies that may have inadvertently opened the door to China’s increasing presence.

One area of focus for Amata is the US fishing industry, which has been impacted by the closure of certain regional fishing waters under previous U.S. administrations. 

“US policy should be the reopening of regional fishing waters closed by the Obama/Bush administrations as a countermeasure to protect US national interests in the region,” she said. Reopening fishing access and rebuilding the U.S. commercial fishing fleet are critical steps toward ensuring the U.S. remains a strong presence in the Pacific, Amata added.

Additionally, Amata emphasised the importance of bolstering US Coast Guard capabilities in the region. She suggested the deployment of fast cutters in American Samoa as part of a broader effort to protect US interests and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the Pacific.

Congresswoman Amata proposed that the US Departments of State and Homeland Security, in collaboration with local governments, may need to reassess entry requirements for travellers from Samoa to American Samoa. These adjustments could be necessary to address potential security risks arising from the new visa exemption agreement with China.

While the visa exemption agreement between Samoa and China is seen as a step forward for bilateral relations, it also raises important questions about the balance between economic growth and strategic security interests.