Samoan PM Advocates Closer Ties with China Amid Climate Crisis

Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa wrapped up her nine-day visit to China with a clear message: Pacific nations need innovative partnerships to tackle climate change—and they’re looking to Beijing for answers.

In an exclusive interview with CMG’s Wang Guan, Mata'afa highlighted Samoa’s urgent priorities: transforming agriculture, protecting ecosystems, and securing sustainable markets. “China’s high-tech solutions and people-first governance resonate with our needs,” she said, praising initiatives like the Belt and Road as tools to “address challenges and create opportunities.”

Here’s why this matters for the region:

• Climate survival: Rising sea levels threaten island nations, making eco-friendly farming and green tech non-negotiable.
• Tech transfer: China’s advancements in renewable energy and AI could help Samoa leapfrog outdated practices.
• Cultural alignment: Mata'afa emphasized China’s collaborative approach, contrasting it with “rigid” aid models from Western partners.

For young entrepreneurs and activists, this partnership signals a shift toward pragmatic climate diplomacy. As Mata'afa put it: “We’re not just asking for help—we’re building bridges.”

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Exclusive with Samoan Prime Minister

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