Samoa to shelve ‘excessive’ US$100 million China-backed port project under new leader

The proposed wharf in Vaiusu Bay has been a divisive issue, playing a part in the small Pacific island’s April elections

China is the single largest creditor in Samoa, population 200,000, accounting for about 40 per cent, or some US$160 million, of its external debts

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A view of Samoa’s capital, Apia. The proposed construction of a China-backed port development has been a divisive issue in the small Pacific island nation. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:54am, 20 May 2021Updated: 5:25pm, 20 May 2021

Samoa’s expected new prime minister has pledged to shelve a US$100 million Beijing-backed port development, calling the project excessive for the small Pacific island that is already heavily indebted to China.

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the opposition leader set to become Samoa’s first female prime minister after a weeks-long political impasse, said she intended to maintain good relations with China but she had more pressing needs to address.

The proposed construction of the wharf in Vaiusu Bay has been a divisive issue in Samoa, playing a part in April elections where long-serving leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi lost his parliamentary majority.

The project has also threatened to spark a waterfront contest in the Pacific as the United States and its allies respond to China’s growing regional influence.

Fiame, who is expected to become leader after Samoa’s top court on Monday ruled against a challenge to the election result, said there were more pressing needs than building a new port.

Fiame Naomi Mata'afa appears set to be Samoa’s first female leader after the nation's top court reinstated the results of a knife-edge election. Photo: AP

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