50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHINA-SAMOA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AND THE OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF CHINA AID PRIMARY SCHOOLS PROJECT

SAMOA, November 20 - [JOINT PRESS RELEASE, 21 November 2025] – To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China a commemorative ceremony was held in Apia, marking a milestone of five decades of partnership, mutual respect, and shared development aspirations built on trust and dialogue.

The joint celebratory reception was held at the Apia Primary School Hall, as part of the Handover ceremony for the three China-Aid Primary Schools project (Apia Primary School, St Therese Primary School and Lepea Primary School). The handover of the Primary Schools to the Government of Samoa was conducted by H.E Mr Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

Close to 200 guests were present including high level representation of the Triage of Government, and dignitaries, the Diplomatic corps and members of the Chinese and business community as well as the representation of the school communities involved in the handover of new school facilities.

In his address, Ambassador Fei highlighted the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years, acknowledged Samoa for its long-term resolute adherence to the one-China principle, and stressed that China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and “the Pathway for the Development of Samoa”, work together to build an even closer comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo in her key note address referred to the Samoa and China relationship which is premised on mutual respect, equality, the recognition of each other’s sovereignty and common goals to advance mutual interests. She referred to Samoa’s consistent adherence to the One China Principle which remains the foundation of the Samoa-China diplomatic relations. Hon. Mulipola further acknowledged the many decades where Samoa and China have collaborated on initiatives that support and strengthen national development priorities and mutual engagement in areas such as infrastructural development, agriculture and fisheries, education, sports development, health, tourism, disaster preparedness, people to people links and capacity building for Samoa’s nationals.

Invited Guests also witnessed the joint unveiling of commemorative stamps for the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic ties.

The finale of the evening included a Gala at the Arts and Culture Centre, where performing artists from Huizhou, China and cultural performers from Samoa took to the stage in front of an audience of close to 300 people in a demonstration of cultural exchange.

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