Prime Minister Fiame, who took office last month in Samoa, an island nation in the South Pacific, responded to NHK's independent interview, not relying solely on China's support to strengthen its influence in the Pacific region, but is eager to strengthen cooperation with other countries including Japan. Was shown.
Fiamme, who took office in July after being elected as the new prime minister for the first time in about 23 years, replaced the former prime minister who led the long-term administration in Samoa, responded online to NHK's solo interview on the 27th.
Among them, regarding the port development plan of Samoa supported by China, which was being promoted by the previous administration, "I am concerned about the burden of debt. What we need now is not a new port, but other priorities. There is, "he said, and revealed that he had informed the Chinese side of the policy to abandon the plan.
In the island nations of the Pacific region, China has strengthened its influence with huge amounts of support as a weapon, and in Samoa, China accounts for 40% of its external debt, centered on support for infrastructure construction.
Regarding this situation, Prime Minister Fiamme said, "I would like to cooperate not only with China but also with other countries such as Japan. Since Samoa is a small island country, I will focus on what I really need and what China is. I would like to build a relationship that will lead to the development of Japan, "he said, showing his willingness to strengthen cooperation with other countries, including Japan, without relying on huge amounts of support while maintaining relations with China. I did.