China has much to offer Samoa and other small island countries in the transition to clean energy and infrastructure, said Samoa’s ambassador to China.
“China’s leadership in clean energy development and potential partnerships with Samoa and other small island states could significantly address the climate crisis and contribute to saving our planet,” Luamanuvae Albert Mariner told China Daily.
The international community has shown great admiration for China’s environmental and sustainability initiatives, he said. China is leading in green technology and clean energy, and has a real opportunity to be a global leader in the renewable energy sector.
China boasts about 80 percent of the world’s solar manufacturing capacity. The vast output has lowered solar panel prices worldwide, reducing cost barriers for developing countries to access clean energy technology and expertise.
On tackling climate change, he said, “Now more than ever, the world needs political (partnerships)… to resolve the crisis that we face.” Large economies must find a way, because at the end of the day, politics is at the heart of climate change negotiations, he said.
China recognizes the context of small island countries’ developmental aspirations, because “these are countries that have nothing to do with climate change, and yet they’re right at the forefront facing constant challenges and the impacts of climate change”, he said.
Speaking about China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects, the ambassador said the program is critical as every country needs infrastructure development. The focus now is on sustainability built into the infrastructure, which holds the key to any country’s development, he said.
“What China has offered is critical for development,” he said, citing the example of Samoa, which is said to have one of the best international airports among small Pacific Island countries, after the facility was built with help from China.
Mariner said a country involved in the BRI is always certain that China is providing what their country truly needs. “The BRI is a process and opportunity that allows ongoing conversations between China and the recipient countries,” he said.
Samoa and China enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership and will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.
Mariner said Chinese migration to Samoa began in the late 1800s, and China is a large, multicultural country with a fascinating and unique history.
“The more I read about China’s history, the greater I understand and appreciate China’s complexity,” he said.
“China’s … success in eliminating extreme poverty is a remarkable achievement.”
The Pacific region, where Samoa was the first small island country to gain independence, is often at the heart of geopolitics in some ways, Mariner said. In today’s world, apart from geopolitical tensions, there is also a battle of narratives.
One narrative comes from the Western media, which is very anti-China and biased. Another perspective, of people like him who come to China, reveals that this mainstream Western narrative is “so unfortunate and wrong”, he said, adding that China seeks to be understood and respected.
China places peace and stability as important prerequisites to its national economic development programs, he added.
“It continues to pursue, where possible, peace mediation efforts in some of the most difficult global conflicts in the world and remains one of the biggest contributors to the UN peacekeeping fund.”
