Samoa signs China agreement amid South Pacific push

This picture released by the Samoa Observer on Saturday, May 28, 2022 shows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa attending agreements signing ceremony between the two countries in Apia. - AFP

APIA (Samoa), May 28, 2022 (AFP): Samoa signed a bilateral agreement with China on Saturday, promising "greater collaboration" as Beijing's foreign minister continues a tour of the South Pacific that has sparked concern among Western allies.

The deal's details are unclear, coming midway through a Chinese delegation's eight-nation trip -- but an earlier leaked draft agreement sent to several Pacific countries outlined plans to expand security and economic engagement.