The Pacific, China and the Biden Presidency

Apia waterfront, Samoa

Tue, 02 Feb 2021

There's little more than two months until Samoa’s general election. The Human Rights Protection Party, which has dominated Samoan politics since 1982, is facing its most serious challenge in decades.But featuring in placards popping up along roadsides is a most unlikely issue: China.They make no mention of the delicate but simmering hot-button issue that might be expected to swing Samoan voters: the increasing foreign ownership of local retail operations.Instead, they single out a proposed Chinese gift: the $138 million Vaiusu Wharf,...

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