On January 17, 2024, Chinese Ambassador to Samoa Fei Mingxing published an article titled "A shared future and a new chapter for China-Samoa relations" in Samoa Observer. The full text is as follows:
Talofa lava, dear Samoan friends! It’s a pleasure to “meet” you all on Samoa Observer. On January 16th, as the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Independent State of Samoa, with great honour, I presented the Letter of Credence to the Member of the Council of Deputies, Afioga Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati MUALIA. When I arrived in Samoa on January 1st, I was greeted with the beautiful scenery and the enthusiasm and smiles of Samoan people. At the airport, then, I delivered a video speech, conveying cordial greetings and best wishes of the Chinese government and people to the Samoan government and people, hopefully which you “have received”.
Before leaving Beijing for Samoa, I attended the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs and listened to President Xi Jinping’s important address. President Xi put forward a systematic review of the historic achievements and valuable experience of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, gave a profound exposition on the international environment and historical mission of China’s external work on the new journey, and made comprehensive plans for China’s external work for the present and coming periods. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core tenet of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and China’s proposal to solve the questions of what kind of world to build and how to build it, which fully lays out China’s policy, objectives and positions on foreign affairs. On this occasion, I would like to share some points with you.
To build a global community of shared future, all peoples, all countries, and all individuals – our destinies being interconnected – must stand together in adversity and through thick and thin. Since propounded by President Xi Jinping in 2013,building a community with a shared future for mankind has developed from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus, from a promising vision to substantive actions, and from a conceptual proposition to a scientific system. In summary, in building a community with a shared future for mankind, the goal is to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity; the pathway is promoting global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit; the guiding principle is to apply the common values of humanity, the basic underpinning lies in building a new type of international relations; the strategic guidance comes from the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative; and the platform for action is high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. On this basis, we seek to bring countries together to meet challenges and achieve prosperity for all, and usher in a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world.
In fact, building a community with a shared future for mankind has been fully reflected in China's relations with Samoa and Pacific island countries. In 2018, President Xi Jinping held a collective meeting with leaders of PICs having diplomatic ties with China, and agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development. In 2022, then State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Samoa and other PICs, emphasizing that China consistently states that all countries, big or small, are equal. When developing friendly relations with PICs, China will uphold justice while pursuing shared interests and follow the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. China regards PICs as an important part of South-South cooperation and an important partner in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
China appreciates Samoa’s adherence to One-China principle and support to China in defending its core interests, and sincerely wishes to contribute more to assisting Samoa’s sustainable and independent development to realize the priorities of the "Pathway for the Development of Samoa".
I met a Matai on the flight to Samoa. He told me that China has brought tangible benefits to people’s lives and development in fields like agriculture, health, education. Since my arrival in Apia, I’ve visited two China Aid projects and read some reports in the media, from which I’m impressed by strong support and expectations from Samoan friends for China to help economic and social development of Samoa.
Samoa’s unique history and culture awaits me to explore. The broad development prospects in China-Samoa friendly cooperation are calling me and Samoan friends to forge ahead. During my tenure, I will dedicate myself to China-Samoa friendship and cooperation, and join hands with Samoan friends to make due contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind and opening a new chapter in China-Samoa relationship, for the benefit of both beloved peoples.
Ia manuia le Tausaga Fou!