A ceremony was held in Apia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China. The event marked five decades of partnership, mutual respect, and cooperation.
The reception took place at the Apia Primary School Hall as part of the handover of the three China-Aid primary school projects: Apia Primary School, St Therese Primary School, and Lepea Primary School. The schools were officially handed over to the Government of Samoa by H.E. Mr Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.
Close to 200 guests attended, including senior members of Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Chinese community, the business sector, and school communities involved in the project.
In his address, Ambassador Fei outlined the development of bilateral relations over the past fifty years. He acknowledged Samoa’s long-term adherence to the One China Principle and reaffirmed China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative and Samoa’s national development pathway. He stated that China aims to work closely with Samoa to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to a shared future.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, delivered the keynote address. She reaffirmed that the Samoa–China relationship is based on mutual respect, equality, and the recognition of sovereignty. She reiterated Samoa’s consistent adherence to the One China Principle, noting it remains the foundation of diplomatic relations. Hon. Mulipola acknowledged decades of cooperation across infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, health, tourism, disaster preparedness, people-to-people exchanges, and capacity-building programmes.
Guests also witnessed the joint unveiling of commemorative stamps marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The evening concluded with a Gala at the Arts and Culture Centre featuring performers from Huizhou, China, alongside Samoan cultural groups, presented before an audience of nearly 300 people.
Article based on the Joint Press Release on the Samoa–China 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations and the Handover of the China-Aid Apia Primary Schools Project.
