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Articles by Fei Mingxing
Joining hands for ecological cooperation, building a shared future for China and Samoa
2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and the beginning of the second 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa. Standing at this historic juncture, ecological conservation has become the vital link deepening bilateral cooperation and securing a win-win future for both nations.
A lesson for Samoa's PM: Careful words matter in diplomacy
Diplomacy is often measured not only by actions, but by the words spoken by leaders, especially when those words are made publicly and on the eve of an important international visit. The recent controversy surrounding comments attributed to Samoa’s Prime Minister, suggesting that New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon requested a Samoan matai title, has created an unfortunate distraction ahead of Mr Luxon’s official visit to Samoa.
Write one true sentence
Home / Op-Ed / By Lumepa Hald • 01 March 2026, 4:10PM The news, when I was young, came to me through my grandfather’s eyes — and through the radio. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Four years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine: Solidarity still matters
Four years ago, Russia launched an illegal and unprovoked full-scale attack on Ukraine. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a blatant disregard of basic principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules-based international order. The European Union was built from the ashes of World War II in opposition to a world in which “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”, as put by historian Thucydides.
Embarking on a new chapter of friendship between China and Samoa
Year after year, life opens a fresh chapter. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Samoa, I extend my warmest New Year greetings to the Chinese community in Samoa and the friendly Samoan people on the occasion of the Chinese New Year—the Year of the Horse. The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is the most significant traditional holiday in China and for Chinese communities worldwide.
Waitangi Day in Samoa: A celebration of Pacific unity
Home / Op-Ed / By Si'alei Van Toor • 07 February 2026, 5:00PM Each year on 6 February, Waitangi Day, New Zealanders come together in honour of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, and to reflect on where we are on our journey as a nation. Waitangi Day is a day of profound significance to New Zealand and one that resonates deeply across our wider Pacific ‘aiga. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime.
In 2026, together we can rise to the challenge to protect our environment, communities, and people
Ni sa bula vinaka! The Festive season gave us a chance to catch our breath, spend quality time with our families and loved ones, so that we are re-energised and revitalised. We, at SPREP, decided to close the office for a bit of an extended period to not only allow many to go home but also contractors to do some outstanding maintenance and improvements to our existing facilities.
Inviting abuse and the media's role in preventing it
Home / Op-Ed / By Lumepa Hald • 02 February 2026, 5:30PM When the media leaves abuse untouched, it becomes an invitation. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Australia Day Remarks 2026 By Australia High Commissioner Will Robinson
Tālofa lava. E iate a’u le ava ma le mīgao, ou te fa’atālofa, ma fa’afeiloa’i atu ai, i le pa’ia ma le mamalu, ua aofia mai. Faafetai lava mo le fa’a-ava-noaina, o lō outou taimi, auā le fa’amanatuina o le Aso’ o’ Ausetalia. O lēnei fa’amoemoe tāua, e lē gata ona tatou patipatia ai … le atunu’u, ma tagatānu’u o Ausetalia, Ae o se avanoa tāua fo’i, e fa’amanatuina ai le faigā-pa’aga, i le vā o tatou malo. Welcome My warmest welcome to you all.
Christmas with the Rachel People
Home / Op-Ed / By Upolu Luma Vaai • 20 December 2025, 6:10PM We don’t normally entertain gloomy messages for Christmas. In fact, the Advent season is supposed to open a season of joy leading to celebrating the gift of Emmanuel, “God is with us” (Matthew:1:23), and rightly so. Joy is the normal beat and rhythm of the season. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
China-Samoa friendship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Independent State of Samoa. To highlight this, Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Samoa’s Head of State His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, charting the course and guiding the two countries’ relations.
When good doctors go bad: A word of advice to my colleagues in Samoa
Home / Op-Ed / By Toleafoa Pule Dr V Lameko • 15 November 2025, 5:20PM We have heard stories from around the globe about respected practitioners who, later in their careers, became known as “bad doctors.” These were often the same individuals—sought-after surgeons, obstetricians, cardiologists, paediatricians, and emergency physicians, to name but a few—who were once highly respected by their colleagues and communities.
The Key to "the Governance of China": Insights from the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee
Home / Op-Ed / By Fei Mingxing • 14 November 2025, 2:10PM The 4th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has recently concluded successfully.
The global governance initiative for a prosperous and stable world
The world today is accelerating its evolution amid changes unseen in a century. The common challenges facing humanity are intensifying. The world is calling for reforms to the global governance system to adapt to the demands of the new era. Any way of beneficial development proceeds in tandem with the times. On September 1st 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus” Meeting.
Remembering the past, upholding the peace, together we build a shared future
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Today is August 15, 2025. Eighty years ago, on this day, Emperor Hirohito of Japan issued the “Surrender Declaration,” announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender. On September 2 of the same year, Japan signed the Instrument of Unconditional Surrender.
UNGA Resolution 2758 unchallenged, One-China principle unshakable
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (U.N.), which is at the core of the post-WWII international order. The more turbulent and complex the international situation becomes, the more we must firmly defend the international order underpinned by international law.
Let us act to end plastic pollution, build a healthy and cleaner Pacific environment
This World Earth Day, we applaud the theme OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, encouraging all to take action, educate, advocate, and pledge an Earth Action for transformational change in response to the triple planetary crisis. We know our environment is under threat, and to address this, we at SPREP work hand in hand with our Pacific Islands governments and communities, supported by our myriad of partners.
We are the Oceans
From 9 to 13 June 2025, France will be hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) to support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UNOC, or United Nations Ocean Conference). For this crucial event, some 100 Heads of State and Government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world.
The role of Samoan media amid political crisis
The media in Samoa is under attack. Not from foreign influences, nor from the challenges of keeping up with the digital age, but from the very people it serves. Journalists are being ridiculed, questioned unfairly, and harassed on social media. Even politicians—some of whom have benefited from free press and public scrutiny—are accusing journalists of bias while their supporters use online platforms to distort narratives, masquerading as news outlets to sow division among our diaspora.
Honouring ancestors: Qingming Festival and Samoan traditions of remembrance
In both China and Samoa, people hold deep respect for their ancestors, believing that the wisdom and legacy of those who came before us continue to guide our lives today. As China observes the “Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)” this April, it is a meaningful time to reflect on the beautiful similarities between Chinese and Samoan traditions of honouring the deceased.
UN, Samoa Surety Insurance to unveil "transformative" climate solution
Samoa Surety Insurance and the United Nations will unveil a groundbreaking bundled insurance product this Friday designed to safeguard low-income households in Samoa from the financial impacts of extreme climate events and other risks. The product was developed through close consultation with local farming communities, fishers, micro-businesses and informal sector workers, whose livelihoods face growing threats from the devastating effects of tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and earthquakes.
The indispensable role of women in society: from global achievements to local impact
In a world that is constantly evolving, the contributions of women have been nothing short of remarkable. From the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies to the halls of government, from the laboratories of scientific research to the classrooms of education, women have proven time and again their invaluable role in shaping the course of human progress. The significant role and achievements of Samoan women Samoan women have long been recognised for their pivotal role in society.
Equality, development and sharing for all girls and women
March 8 is International Women's Day which was first celebrated in 1911. China has commemorated the "March 8th" Day since 1922. In December 1949, the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) designated March 8th of each year as Women's Day. This year we echo UN Women to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality.
A woman of all seaons: The political resilience of Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa
In an era where political turbulence often culminates in civil unrest, Samoa stands out as a beacon of democratic tolerance and political stability. The recent no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa—her second in just over two years—is a testament not only to the vibrancy of Samoa’s democracy but also to the extraordinary political fortitude of a leader who has defied the odds at every turn.
How mature is Samoa’s democracy? Part Two
Fifty years ago, a lone parliamentarian stood up in the house and voiced his objection to being denied his right to determine who has the confidence of the majority to lead and form the government. Fifty years later, that same parliamentary right is under the hammer. Given the present impasse within the ruling FAST party, can parliamentarians confidently say they have exercised their democratic right to openly debate the leadership issue under the constitution?
How mature is Samoa’s democracy?
The two factions of the FAST government seem resigned to resolving their political differences through the rule of law. The majority faction awaits a court hearing on charges laid by the police against its leader and chair while the FAST minority faction awaits its alleged challenge to being booted out by a majority faction.
Samoa's innovative approach to climate insurance
Samoa is on the frontlines of climate change, where extreme weather events are becoming an all-too-common reality. Cyclones, flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity, resulting in devastating effects on people's lives.
The erosion of democratic representation and constitutional integrity
In a democratic society, the essence of political representation lies in the ability of elected officials to represent the interests of their constituents without undue interference from political parties. However, an electoral law that permits a political party to expel a Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, government Ministers, and any Member of Parliament (MP) who may refuse to tow the party line, fundamentally undermines this democratic principle.
LIFE-Con Pacific Season 7 a great success
LIFE-Con Pacific Season 7 was no doubt the talk of last week as designers, participants and the art and fashion industry not only here in Samoa but also from Australia, Fiji and Tonga, all came together to be part of the two-day event, which was held on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November. The youth-led event has made waves over the last 7 years being the platform that focuses on promoting and celebrating Samoa and the Pacific’s fashion and art events and Season 7 catered for that and more.
What Japan’s new Prime Minister thinks about Indo-Pacific peace
On 1 October, Shigeru Ishiba was sworn in as Japan’s new prime minister, after succeeding in his fifth attempt to win the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party. He is familiar with Australia from his two posts as defence minister under Prime Minister Fukuda in 2007-08, and then agriculture minister in Prime Minister Aso’s cabinet in 2008-09, when the LDP was defeated in the general election by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
Unhealthy competition in green technology
Avoiding catastrophic climate change requires far more than the current Paris Accord commitments. Even keeping these commitments looks unlikely as governments struggle with the cost of clean energy transformation and push-back from vested interests peddling unwarranted optimism about immature technological solutions. Tried and tested technology is already there to get us at least 70 per cent of the way to net zero, but the transition is costly.
Improving ICT in the Pacific
I would like to start by sharing news of a significant development in the Pacific ICT space on Friday 30 August. I’m referring to the Final Communique of the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Summit in Tonga, where our leaders agreed for ICT to be integrated into the Pacific Island Forum architecture. This Papua New Guinea-led initiative is timely and a positive intervention at the highest regional political level — the PIF.
Kamala Harris and the Pacific Islands
In the whirlwind of speeches to cement Kamala Harris’ presidential credentials, the Pacific Islands have hardly rated a mention, but on critical regional issues relating to existential climate threats and hard economic times, a Harris win bodes better than a Trump triumph. The Pacific hope for Harris is that she will deliver on promises made in the Pacific Partnership Strategy, the two Pacific Islands–US summits (2022 and 2023), and the many diplomatic visits under President Biden.
What does special autonomy really mean in PNG?
Discussions about decentralisation have been a central feature of PNG politics since before independence. The highly centralised nature of Australian colonial governance led to the creation of PNG’s provinces. This effort was spearheaded by Bougainville’s leaders who had many longstanding reservations about being a part of PNG, even before the development of the Panguna mine.
Sergeant Perite Deserves State Recognition
When an officer of the law is slain in the line of duty, it is considered one of the worst crimes committed in a democracy. It is the main reason why government leaders of advanced democracies like Australia and New Zealand act swiftly to condemn such coward act publicly when it happens. At the heart of any democracy, is the concept of sanctity of the law. It’s the mainstay of keeping order in a democracy.
America’s election: It’s not foreign policy, stupid
US President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race is just the latest development in two weeks of absolutely gripping updates from the United States. From once calling this election a snoozefest, consider my interest now thoroughly rapped. But as US domestic politics gets all the more thrilling with 100-or-so days to go to the election, the same twists and turns should not be expected in the realm of foreign policy.
Fiji replaces Vanuatu as top PALM sending country
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has been transformed over the last five years. In June 2019, there were 5,886 PALM visa holders in Australia. Five years later, in May 2024, there were 32,513, an increase of 450%. There are several factors behind this rapid growth, perhaps most importantly the preference given to PALM workers during COVID and the expansion of PALM from only seasonal to multi-year work.
Sharing the Blue Pacific Continent: JICA’s enduring commitment from the past to the future
Japan has strong ties with the people of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), through our shared history and cultural commonalities. We are all island nations, and our livelihoods are closely interlinked with the Pacific Ocean.
Deadliest days for journalists in war zones
The seven- month-long war in Gaza is perhaps the only military conflict in contemporary history which has claimed the lives of over 100 journalists, including targeted killings.
What is Budget Support and how is it delivered: Australia’s perspective as a donor
For many decades Australia has been a proud supporter of Samoa’s development. We support economic growth and human development for the people of Samoa. And we are committed to doing so efficiently, accountably, transparently, and under Samoa’s leadership. Australia’s budget support to the Government of Samoa is a demonstration of these principles.
PNG’s public service reform rollercoaster
At independence, the PNG Public Services Commission (PSC) was a mighty body, with control over the entire public service. So powerful was it that the commissioners were referred to as “gods”. But the public service was seen as unresponsive and performing poorly and in the mid-1980s the PSC was stripped of its constitutional powers. However, things went from bad to worse; the public service came to be seen as highly politicised.
Solomon Islands: Unexpected defeat for Sogavare
The Solomon Islands election of 17 April was widely anticipated to result in a sweeping victory for Manasseh Sogavare’s government. Sogavare, who has been prime minister on four separate occasions, is only the second head of government in his country’s history to serve a full term. He fended off an opposition no-confidence challenge in late 2021, extended his parliamentary term for seven months to 2024, and presided over a diplomatic switch from recognising Taiwan to links with China in 2019.
Decent work towards 2050
This week, representatives of governments, employers and workers have gathered in Suva to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing decent work in the Pacific. The stakes have never been higher. We find ourselves at a critical juncture. The Pacific region is undergoing transformative change driven by economic shifts, geostrategic competition, advances in technology and environmental pressures. Despite this, ensuring decent work for all remains our goal.
The falling demand for seasonal workers
Evidence over nine months to the end of February 2024 shows a declining demand for Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme seasonal workers - those who used to be under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), now absorbed into the PALM scheme as short-term PALM workers. Figure 1 shows the monthly numbers of short-term PALM workers in agriculture and of all PALM workers in agriculture, between 30 June 2023 and 29 February 2024.
The One-China Principle, a Solid Consensus of the International Community
In January 2024, Republic of Nauru made a political decision to restore diplomatic relations with China. Two months later, President of Nauru David Adeang paid a state visit to China. During the talks with President Xi Jinping, President Adeang reiterated that Nauru will adhere to the one-China principle and hope to open a new chapter for Nauru-China relations. To date, 183 countries across the world have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle.
Hold the Celebration
The euphoria that erupted in the public gallery of the New Zealand House of Parliament two weeks ago when the Bill to Remove the Samoa (Western Samoa) Citizenship Act 1982 passed its first reading may be premature. There is a long process to go through before the bill comes back to the House for the third and final reading and debate, assuming it survived the second reading. If the vote is lost, that will be the end of the matter.
Youth awareness of domestic violence laws in PNG
Gender Based Violence (GBV), especially intimate partner violence, is a grave concern in Papua New Guinea, where the rate of violence against women is around 80%. One in two women in the country are victims of intimate partner violence. One long-term measure to address intimate partner violence involves educating children and young people about the short- and long-term impacts on individuals, families, communities, and PNG more broadly.
Coral Reefs are Facing a Mass Global Bleaching Event
This is the fourth global bleaching event in recorded history, the second to hit reefs in the past ten years. A worldwide network of coral reef scientists announced that the world is currently experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event, the second to hit reefs in the last 10 years.
Decriminalisation of same-sex relations in Cook Islands
On 14 April 2023, during the second reading of the Crimes (Sexual Offence) Amendment Bill 2023, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, in this speech, said: "We are a free country, we have freedom of speech, we have freedom of expression, we have freedom to worship … We have freedom to love who we want to, we have freedom to be who we want to be. We all should have the right to live our lives free of discrimination. We say we are a people of love and respect.
Indonesia’s elections and what they mean for Australia’s Development Partnership Plans
Results of the 14 February elections in Indonesia suggest that voters chose to be led by the current Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto and his Vice President, the sitting President’s son. Two presidential contenders, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, have challenged the results, with their cases to “save the future of Indonesia’s democracy” presently ongoing in the Constitutional Court. While the pending court case is important, many anticipate that the outcome is unlikely to change.
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