1. Bilateral political relations

ChinaandSamoaestablished diplomatic relations onNovember 6, 1975.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between the two countries have developed smoothly.In October 1976,Chinaset up its embassy inSamoa.In May 1996,Samoaset up a consulate general inHong Kong(closed in June 2001).In August 2000, the Samoan Government and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region signed an agreement on mutual exemption of visa.

The main Chinese personnel who have visited Samoa include: Hu Yaobang, the CPC Secretary General (in April 1985); Tian Jiyun, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, (in April 1994); Wang Binqian, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, (in November 1995); Chen Muhua, Vice Premier, (in March 1979); Qian Qichen, Vice Premier and Foreign Minister, (in July 1996); Zhu Rongji, Vice Premier, (In May 1997); Wu Yi, Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in January 1998); Chen Yaobang, Minister of Agriculture, (in April 2000); Li Shuwen, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council, (in December 1993); Wan Shaofeng, Vice Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, (in June 1994); Wang Wendong, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade,(in September 1992); Sun Guangxiang, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in November 1999); Su Guang, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (in June 2002); and Zhong Min, Vice President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, (in November 2002).

The main Samoan personnel who have visited China include:Malietoa Tanumafili II,(in September 1976)；Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister, (in June 1980); Tofilau Eti, Prime Minister, (in August 1987, October 1989 and February 1995); Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, (in August 2000); Afamasaga Fatu Vaili, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, (in April 1993); Toleafoa Faafisi, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, (in April 1997); Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, (in March 1997); Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, (in May 2002); Misa Retzlaff, Minister of Agriculture, (in March 1994); Hans Joachim Keil, Minister of Communications, (in October 1997 and December 2000); Luagalao Levaula Kamu, Minister of Engineering, (in April 1999); Solia Papu Vaai, Minister of Agriculture, (in November 1999); Matataualiitia Afa Lesa, Minister of Engineering, (in November 2000); Hans Keil, Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry, (in December 2000); Paluslue Faapo II, Minister of Communications, (in July 2001); Tuala Sale Tagaloa, Minister of Environments, (in September 2001); Mulitalo Siafausa, Minister of Health, (in September 2002); Seumaaita Ah Wa, Minister of Justice, (in September 2002); Simon M. Potol, Secretary General of the Cabinet, (in September 2001); and Health Inspector General of the Ministry of Health, (in October 2001).

2. Bilateral economic and trade relations

In 2002, the total volume of trade betweenChinaandSamoawas US$2.788 million, and all was the volume ofChina's export, a year-on-year increase of 20.3%.In January-April 2003, the trade volume was US$ 1.08 million, and all was the volume ofChina's export, a year-on-year growth of 23%.

3. Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education and health

A delegation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (in May 1981), a Chinese cultural study group (in March 1984) and a Chinese women's delegation (in 1983) have visitedSamoa.

In June 1987,Chinadispatched an acrobatic troupe to attend the celebrations of the 25thanniversary of the independence ofSamoa.In 2000 and 2002, theHunanand Hebei Acrobatic Troupes respectively visitedSamoaand gave performances.

In September 1984,Chinasent two teachers to teach inSamoafor two years.In 2002, a Chinese language teacher proceeded to theNationalUniversitypfSamoato teach the Chinese language.Beginning from 1982,Chinaprovided two scholarships every year toSamoa.In 2002, seven Samoan students studied inChina.

In September 1994,Samoasent athletes to participate in the 6thFar Eastand South Pacific Paralympics held inBeijing.In December 1997, the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission sent a Chinese sports delegation to attend the Third Sports Meet of Samoa.

Starting from 1986,Chinahas sent nine medical teams to work inSamoa.

4.Main bilateral agreements

OnNovember 6, 1975, the Joint Communiquéon the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Independent State of West Samoa.

In February 1976, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In November 1989, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In September 1992, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In February 1995, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In July 1996, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Retaining the Consulate General of West Samoa in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.

In July 1996, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa concerning Mutual Exemption of Visa by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China andWest Samoa.

In March 1997, the Trade Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa.

In November 1999, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In August 2000, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of West Samoa on Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In August 2000, the Agreement between the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of Samoa on Mutual Exemption of Visa.