Dear Editor,

It was with sadness and embarrassment that I read your headlines where a Member of Parliament called the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, a “cheeky boy” who should keep out of Samoa politics. 

Does the MP have any knowledge of the dignity and calibre of the Ambassador, who was appointed to serve his country in Samoa, with a wealth of qualifications and experience? 

H. E. Wang Xue Feng has been an exemplary diplomat who has made significant contribution to help the people of Samoa. Especially he has developed even further the good relationship between China and Samoa. 

How can we not consider his role in the many, many times China has reached out to help our farmers, our teachers, students and many others by taking them to China for training?  Even now close to 300 athletes and their coaches will be taken to China to train while the venues are being built for the Pacific Games. No small undertaking !

And what about the many computers, sewing machines, water tanks, buses and vehicles, workshops, trainings and the invaluable assistance of medical teams that periodically serve at the National Hospital. Come on! 

If the honourable Ambassador spoke out, there was no inference to any politics in Samoa. He was only representing his country, as he should. There is really no need for name calling. Our rules of culture apply to our people. 

It is sad that the diplomat has been caught in the crossfire of Parliamentary proceedings, as the MP has implied.  But we must always remember other cultures perceive things differently from ours, just as we have no understanding of theirs. 

In this case, I believe the matter was trivial and should not even have been raised. If the Flag  of the People’s Republic of China is raised at Project sites they are working on, then let the Chinese Flag fly high and proud. 

Other country flags fly above their projects also.  If Samoa is in financial debt to China, then it is in greater debt of gratitude for all the help China has given us. 

Don’t let this minor incident mar the excellent record of the Ambassador, who has endeared himself to many people, and communities in Samoa with his warm and friendly manner and willingness to help our people. 

Ambassador Wang, when you leave our country, I hope you will remember the good times. You not only served your country well in Samoa, but you also served the people of Samoa well.

S.J.