The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Independent State of Samoa. To highlight this, Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Samoa’s Head of State His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, charting the course and guiding the two countries’ relations. The celebration of the 50th Anniversary of China-Samoa Diplomatic Relations and the Handover of the China Aid Primary Schools Project, jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Samoan government, brought the year-long celebrations to a climax, signalling a brighter future for the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Regrettably, there are some forces that do not wish to see the development of China-Samoa relations, who do not wish to see the two peoples grow closer, and who do not wish to see Samoa embrace new development opportunities. Recently, I was deeply shocked to see so-called scholars attempting to sow discord between the governments and peoples of China and Samoa for ulterior motives. They substitute conjecture for verification, prejudice for truth, and conspiracy for brightness. Their irresponsible writings, steeped in Cold War mentality and laced with geopolitical agendas, are highly deceptive and inflammatory. As the Chinese ambassador to Samoa, I believe it is essential to respond in order to set the record straight.

China and Samoa, being both developing countries, consistently strengthen mutual support within the framework of South-South cooperation. China has consistently adhered to the principle of the “Four Full Respects” in developing relations with Pacific island countries, including Samoa. China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of pacific island countries and upholds the equality of all countries, big or small; fully respects the will of pacific island countries and adheres to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits and win-win results; fully respects the cultural and ethic traditions of pacific island countries and advocates harmony without uniformity and the appreciation of beauty in diversity; fully respects the pacific island countries' efforts to seek strength through unity, supports them in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and contributes to building a peaceful, harmonious, secure, inclusive and prosperous Blue Pacific.

When providing assistance to Samoa and other Pacific island countries, China never attaches political conditions, never imposes its will on others, and makes no empty promises. China also calls on all countries to uphold the Pacific island countries' independence in developing relations with Samoa and other Pacific island nations. The core of this is to respect their sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of their peoples to independently choose a development path suited to their national conditions. It is also imperative to prioritise development, conducting cooperation with the core goal of promoting the sustainable economic and social development of the Pacific island countries, and embrace openness and inclusiveness, refraining from forming exclusive cliques.

Over the past 50 years, since China and Samoa established diplomatic relations in 1975, the achievements of bilateral exchanges and cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, and other fields have been remarkable and undeniable. This fully demonstrates that China-Samoa relations have delivered tangible benefits to Samoans and are in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples.

Recently, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasised China’s commitment to “sharing opportunities and pursuing common development with countries around the world.” Standing at the historical juncture of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, China is ready to work with Samoa to strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields continuously, sharing development achievements with Samoa, advancing the building of a closer community with a shared future for China and Samoa and bringing benefits to the peoples of both countries.

As the year 2026 approaches, I wish to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude on behalf of the Chinese Embassy to friends from all walks of life who have consistently shown concern and support for the development of China-Samoa relations. I wish all my friends a happy New Year, success in business and family happiness.

Fei Mingxing is the People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Samoa.