BEIJING - The People's Republic of China and the Independent State of Samoa on Tuesday issued a joint statement in Beijing.

Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China

and the Independent State of Samoa

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa of the Independent State of Samoa paid an official visit to China from November 20-28, 2024.

During the visit, Prime Minister Fiame met with President Xi Jinping and held talks with Premier of the State Council Li Qiang. The two sides exchanged views and reached broad understanding on the bilateral relations as well as on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

1. The two sides spoke positively of the achievements in the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago and agreed that there has since been advancement of common interests. The two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

2. The two sides agreed that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal, and that the independent choice of development paths by people of all countries in light of their respective national contexts should be respected. The Chinese side supports Samoa in upholding its sovereignty and independence. Samoa firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and recognizes there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory; the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Furthermore, Samoa recognizes efforts by the Chinese government to realize national reunification, and that issues relating to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang and human rights are internal matters for China to deal with. By the same token, Samoa believes that the South China Sea issue is a matter for China to settle amicably through peaceful negotiations and dialogue with all parties involved.

3. Samoa congratulates the People’s Republic of China on its 75th anniversary and commends China’s achievements in this new era of building a modern socialist country and advancing rejuvenation in all respects of its modernization process. China likewise supports Samoa in developing its development path that is aligned to its context and focusing on the achievement of its long term vision of social harmony, security, freedom, peace and prosperity.

4. China reiterated the principles of respect President Xi Jinping believes are essential for developing relations with Pacific island countries, namely: respect for sovereignty and independence; respect for the will of the countries; respect the ethnic and cultural traditions and respect for the countries’ commitment to unity. China reaffirms the absence of conditionality to its assistance. It neither imposes its will onto countries nor makes empty promises in assisting countries, values commended by Samoa.

5. Samoa welcomes the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and building a community for a shared future of mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping. Samoa will take time to make considered decisions on its active engagement in these key development principles. Samoa nevertheless stands ready to take this opportunity to deepen relevant cooperation and forge synergy for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Chinese side welcomes Samoa’s participation in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to build greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pathway for the Development of Samoa. While deepening practical cooperation in a wide range of areas within its capacity towards Samoa’s efforts to achieve sustainable development, the Chinese side will encourage Chinese companies to invest and do business in Samoa. The two sides are ready to provide policy support and facilitation in this regard. The two sides agreed to launch a joint feasibility study on a free trade agreement at an early date.

6. The two sides agreed to expand people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such areas including culture, youth, women, education, health, tourism, sports, and media. The two sides agreed to reaching a mutual visa free arrangement as soon as possible. The Chinese side will continue to send medical team to Samoa, provide scholarships and various training opportunities and support Samoa in Chinese language teaching.

7. The two sides agreed to advocate humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, defend the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, oppose hegemony and power politics, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

8. The two sides agreed that climate change is a global challenge that impacts disproportionately all small island states and requires all countries to respond with joint efforts under the framework of multilateralism and following the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides will jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. China acknowledges the efforts by Samoa as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States. The Chinese side will within the framework of South-South cooperation continue to provide assistance and support within its capacity to Samoa’s climate response through bilateral and multilateral channels. The two sides will deepen cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation and emergency management and will cooperate to build a low carbon demonstration zone for addressing climate change under South-South cooperation.

9. The two sides agreed to deepen practical maritime cooperation in ocean observation and forecasting, marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine ecosystem protection and restoration, marine spatial planning, blue economy and other fields, consider a blue partnership, and promote the building of a sustainable maritime community. The two sides reiterated their commitment to firmly upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, and called on all countries to fulfill international obligations and the prudent handling of related issues.

10. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the existing platform and frameworks of the China-Pacific Island Countries Reserve of Emergency Supplies, Climate Change Response, Poverty Alleviation and Development, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and so on. In this way, the two sides will work together with all parties involved to build a closer community towards a shared future between China and Pacific Island countries.

Beijing, November 26th, 2024