No discussions between Samoa and China on militarisation: Fiame

During a Press Conference on Tuesday with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mataafa stated that there are no discussions between Samoa and China on militarisation.

Fiame made the comments in response to questions from the Australian Asscoiated Press during a Press Conference during her first official bilateral visit to New Zealand.

The Australian Associated Press Journalist said that the New Zealand Government has said it welcomes Chinese investment and engagement in the Pacific but it would be gravely concerned at the militarisation or securitisation of countries like Samoa. The Australian Associated Press journalist had then asked if Samoa would also be concerned by this.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern

Photo: Aupito William Sio, MP for Mangere/Facebook

Fiame said during the press conference: "There are no discussions between Samoa and China on militarisation at all."

Fiame had mentioned the China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month, saying that he had a particular proposal to the countries in the region who affiliated or have diplomatic relations with mainland China.

"And they had a proposal to put to that group but you will also know that the decision was that the group of countries felt the appropriate modality of consideration of these kinds of proposals need to be passed through the Forum Secretariat where we have a chance not only for the Secretariat to do an analysis and report but also for each of the countries for themselves to review what is being proposed," she said.

In May this year, Mr. Wang had visited Samoa and a bilateral meeting was hosted between the two countries.

The bilateral meeting had also included the signing of the Economic and Technical Agreement, Handover certificate of the Arts & Culture Center and Samoa-China Friendship Park, and the Exchange of Letter for the Fingerprint laboratory.

The meeting covered issues of mutual interest and concern including key regional priorities such as climate change, the pandemic and peace and security.