Pacific island countries partners to pursue common development

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's nine-day official visit to China starting Nov 20, during which she exchanged in-depth views with Chinese leaders on China-Samoa relations and important issues of common interest, and jointly drew a blueprint for the development of China-Samoa relations, will further push forward bilateral ties and help build a broader and closer China-Pacific island countries community with a shared future.

The visit, coming ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Samoa and China next year, will bring new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, further enriching the China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership.

Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and one of the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on Belt and Road cooperation. The fruitful development of bilateral relations under the principles of friendship, mutual respect, treating each other as equals and win-win cooperation, has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples.

The friendly cooperation between China and Samoa has set a good example for relations between China and other Pacific island countries. The Chinese-aided government building in the heart of Apia, the capital of Samoa, is featured on Samoa's 50-tala ($17.86) banknotes. Also, the Faleolo International Airport in Apia, supported by Chinese enterprises, is one of the most modern international airports in the South Pacific. China will continue supporting Samoa's development within the framework of South-South cooperation, and further explore the cooperation potential in trade, agriculture, fisheries and other areas to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development.

Despite the huge differences in size and being geographically far apart, China has always adhered to equality and mutual respect in developing relations with Pacific island countries, and provided them with economic and technical assistance without any political strings attached. China's policy toward Pacific island countries does not target any third party, neither does it engage in geopolitical games.

China knows fully well that the Earth is the shared home of all countries, and to promote common development and build a community with a shared future for mankind requires not only the efforts of major countries but also the participation of small countries, including Pacific island countries. It is for this purpose that China has developed its relations with Pacific island countries, and also supports other countries sharing the same vision in making the same effort.