China’s ulterior motives

Dear Editor,

Re: China supercharges education in Samoa

I’m glad I’m not the only one suspicious about China’s intentions.

I often get criticism here for my view on what I see as the peaceful invasion of Samoa by China.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Samoa needs to wake up that these little trinkets are effectively buying influence in Samoa. 

Laptops here, big screens there. Even the new Faleolo airport is mere pocket change to a country with a GDP of 10 TRILLION US dollars and a population of 1.4 BILLION people. 

Despite its status as a developing country, Samoa as a nation needs to fight to retain its independence from these outside influences.

When Samoa has to vote on global issues such as the South China Sea does anyone seriously think that the P.M. won’t be pressured by our Chinese “friends” to vote in their favour?

When China wants fishing rights or oil drilling or mining rights within Samoa’s Maritime Zones what will the P.M. say? 

China has demonstrated it’s own self-interests around the world already many times over. Behind the smiles and handshakes at formal ceremonies they only view Samoa as a pawn to serve their expansionist ideals.

 

Steve R.

Samoa Observer

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