China and Samoa Strengthen Partnership, Prioritizing Climate Action

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa in Beijing on Tuesday, November 26th, 2023. During their meeting, President Xi emphasized China's commitment to empowering Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, to tackle climate change. He stated that China would work with these nations to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, upholding fairness and justice for the Global South.

President Xi acknowledged Samoa's early diplomatic ties with China, established nearly five decades ago. He reaffirmed China's support for Samoa's sovereignty and independence, as well as its pursuit of a development path aligned with its national conditions. China will continue to provide assistance to Samoa's economic and social development, exploring potential in areas like trade, investment, agriculture, and fisheries.

President Xi emphasized that China's assistance to Pacific Island countries comes without political strings attached. China's policy towards these nations is open and inclusive, not targeting any third party or engaging in geopolitical competition.

Prime Minister Mata'afa expressed Samoa's desire to learn from China's experience in achieving modernization, particularly in poverty reduction and green development. She thanked China for its long-standing assistance and reaffirmed Samoa's adherence to the one-China principle. Additionally, she expressed support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi.

Samoa views China as an important strategic partner and looks forward to further advancing bilateral relations in the coming year, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.