New Samoan Leader to Scrap $100M China-Backed Belt and Road Port Project

New Samoan Leader to Scrap $100M China-Backed Belt and Road Port Project
Fishing boats moored near the Apia Fish Market in Apia, Samoa on September 13, 2015. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Daniel Y. Teng
Updated:

Samoa’s incoming prime minister has pledged to scrap a US$100 million Chinese-backed port development, saying it is excessive for the small Pacific island already saddled with major debts to Beijing.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) soft power push into the South Pacific region and represents a major policy shift in the nation.

Daniel Y. Teng
Daniel Y. Teng
Writer
Daniel Y. Teng is based in Brisbane, Australia. He focuses on national affairs, including federal politics and Australia-China relations. Got a tip? Contact him at [email protected].
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