Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Tang Dengjie, Secretary of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and Head of the Provincial Government, on the margins of the 10th High Level Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum that was held in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, from 4-5 September 2026.
Building on the longstanding friendship and 51 years of official diplomatic relations between Samoa and the People’s Republic of China, the meeting marked an important step in exploring partnership and collaboration with the Shanxi Provincial Government. Discussions focused on shared interests in renewable energy, climate resilience, education, capacity building, and sustainable development.
Secretary Tang expressed his sincere appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for accepting Shanxi Provincial Government’s invitation to attend the High Level Forum as the Chief Guest and to deliver the key remarks at the official opening of the meeting. He noted that this was Samoa’s first participation in the Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum and welcomed the opportunity to foster a lasting friendship with Samoa. He also conveyed Shanxi Province’s strong interest in deepening practical collaboration and people-to-people exchanges in the years ahead.
A key focus of the meeting was renewable energy and low-carbon development. China’s Special Envoy to Climate Change also attended the Forum. Drawing on insights gained during the visit, Samoa shared its ambition to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, strengthen energy security, and build greater resilience through sustainable infrastructure and innovative energy solutions.
The leaders also exchanged views on climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable countries, particularly Small Island Developing States. The Honourable Mulipola highlighted Samoa’s priorities ahead of the upcoming UNFCCC COP negotiations, including improved access to climate finance, enhanced support for adaptation efforts, and a people-centred approach to the global transition to low-carbon economies. Both sides underscored the value of international collaboration in advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
Discussions further explored ways to strengthen people-to-people ties through educational partnerships, professional attachments, student exchanges, and technical training programs. The Deputy Prime Minister commended and acknowledge China’s support to Samoa’s education through tertiary scholarships that has enabled around 90 Samoan students currently studying at different universities in China. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of investing in future generations and fostering greater understanding between Samoa and Shanxi Province through learning, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed Samoa’s appreciation for China’s longstanding support for the country’s development, including major infrastructure investments that have contributed to the wellbeing of the Samoan people. Both sides discussed opportunities for technical exchange and knowledge sharing to help ensure these investments continue to deliver lasting benefits for future generations.
Concluding the meeting, both sides expressed confidence that the discussions had established a strong foundation for closer engagement between Samoa and Shanxi Province. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Samoa’s first official visit to Shanxi had been both informative and inspiring and looked forward to translating the dialogue into practical initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for the people of Samoa.
The Deputy Prime Minister also conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the Shanxi Provincial Department of Foreign Affairs, the security and protocol teams, and the many officials and staff whose dedication ensured the success of the visit. She commended generous hospitality, and the attention to detail shown throughout the program had left a lasting impression on the Samoan delegation and reflected the friendship and goodwill of the people of Shanxi Province.
The Samoan delegation comprises Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale – Molio’o, Head of Delegation; Samoa’s Ambassador to China, Luamanuvae Albert Mariner; Matai’a Meritiana Fepulea’i – Tanuvasa, Principal Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister; Bernadette Amosa, ACEO Climate Change, MNRE; and Elizabeth Lameta, Office of the Embassy of Samoa in China.
Government of Samoa press release, issued from Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, 7 September 2026.
