China inks new Pacific deal with Samoa

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Samoa ended on Saturday with the signing of a bilateral agreement on economic and technical cooperation, after a series of meetings with top officials on issues of "mutual interest and concern."

In a statement, Samoa authorities said: “Samoa and the People’s Republic of China will continue to pursue greater collaboration that will deliver on joint interests and commitments.”

The Chinese delegation, led by Wang Yi, met with the head of state, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, and Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa, before signing at least three official documents, including an "Economic & Technical Cooperation Agreement for projects to be determined and mutually agreed upon between the respective Countries."

Few details about the new agreement have emerged, but the talks reportedly covered regional "peace and security," as well as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Samoa also praised Beijing as a key development partner in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture projects, while the Chinese minister noted that the two countries have "similar historical experiences and face common development challenges."

“Under the current circumstance of unilateralism and hegemonic bullying, China is willing to consolidate unity and cooperation with developing countries including Samoa, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights of developing nations, and insist on true multilateralism,” Wang Yi said, according to Chinese foreign ministry.

Meanwhile, Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had a "wonderful meeting" with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who was sent on a rival charm offensive by Canberra's newly-elected government.

“Fiji is not anyone’s backyard – we are a part of a Pacific family,” Bainimarama posted on Twitter on Saturday.

After making China a major campaign issue during the recent election, Australia's new Labor government has promised to "step up" its own presence in the Pacific. Penny Wong previously chastised the Scott Morrison government for being too soft on Beijing, claiming that the deal with the Solomon Islands took place under his watch and created "the prospect of a Chinese base less than 2,000 kilometers from Australia's coastline."

Chinese officials have repeatedly denied any intention of establishing a military base on the islands. According to a draft document leaked to the press this week, Beijing is looking to offer "significant" economic and security deals to Pacific nations.

The US, UK, and Australia had formed their AUKUS alliance amid China concerns. The alliance was based on enhancing Australia's nuclear capabilities through advanced technology and nuclear submarines in order to increase the alliance's strength in the South Pacific as China grows more influential in its region.