American Samoa’s Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata Coleman has voiced concern over Samoa’s recent visa exemption agreement with China, cautioning that such pacts may carry unforeseen consequences for U.S. interests in the Pacific.
“Some would say this is an aggressive wolf in sheep’s clothing move by China, beyond mere tourism or a basic trade development proffer,” she said.
The agreement, signed last month, permits visa-free travel between Samoa and China, aiming to enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges. Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa expressed optimism, saying, “The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption will benefit both countries substantially through ease of international travel.”
However, Congresswoman Amata warns that while this may seem like an opportunity for increased engagement, the cost could be higher than anticipated for U.S. allies and partners in the region, especially in terms of economic and security risks.
She also highlighted the need for the U.S. to reassess its policies in the Pacific, suggesting the reopening of regional fishing waters closed by previous administrations as a countermeasure to protect U.S. national interests.
“U.S. policy should be the reopening of regional fishing waters closed by the Obama/Bush administrations as a countermeasure to protect U.S. national interests in the region,” she said.
The congresswoman further emphasized strengthening U.S. Coast Guard capabilities in the area, proposing the deployment of fast cutters in American Samoa to safeguard U.S. interests and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the Pacific.
As Samoa and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, this visa waiver agreement marks a significant milestone. Nevertheless, it also raises critical questions about balancing economic development with strategic security considerations in the Pacific region.
