The deal, with vague details, promises increased collaboration, raising concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.
Samoa has signed a bilateral agreement with China, marking a significant moment in Beijing’s ongoing diplomatic push in the Pacific region. While the specifics of the deal remain unclear, it is expected to involve enhanced collaboration in infrastructure and other sectors, reflecting China’s increasing economic presence in the region.
This agreement is part of a broader effort by China, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi currently on a tour of eight Pacific nations, raising concerns among Western allies about Beijing’s potential expansion of its security and political influence. Earlier drafts of similar agreements, leaked to the public, have suggested that China aims to boost both security and economic ties with Pacific nations.
The Samoan government has confirmed that Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and regional peace and security during their meeting. This development comes amid growing geopolitical tensions, as Western leaders urge Pacific countries to carefully consider China’s security ambitions in the area.
