The catch for Samoa
Re: About China
The catch is Samoa’s votes at the UN for the One China Policy (non-recognition of Taiwan). There is an ongoing competition between China and Taiwan for UN votes going on for years now. It manifests itself in the competition to “sign up” Pacific nations for their side.
Tuvalu has been on Taiwan’s side since the 1970’s whereas Samoa recognised mainland China back in the 1970’s, one of the first in the world. So that is “the catch”.
If Samoa were to recognise Taiwan, all Chinese aid projects would pretty much stop overnight.
The Pacific has 0.12% of the world’s population but 6% of votes at the UN. China sees this as quite valuable as a voting bloc.
PS Jeffrey