31 Jan 2019

Samoan opposition MP wants to deport China's ambassador

9:52 am on 31 January 2019

A Samoan MP has called China's ambassador to the country a "cheeky boy" who should be deported.

The insult is just the latest in a war of words between opposition MP Olo Fonoti Vaai and Wang Xuefeng over the flying of the Chinese flag in Samoa.

Chinese Ambassador in Samoa Wang Xuefeng and PM Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi at the presentation of 20 brand new Sedan vehicles for the Pacific Island Forum meeting to be hedl in Samoa next week.

Chinese Ambassador in Samoa Wang Xuefeng and PM Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi at the presentation of 20 brand new Sedan vehicles for the Pacific Island Forum meeting to be hedl in Samoa next week. Photo: Tipi Autagavaia

Last week, Olo called on the government to remove the flag from aid projects, which Mr Wang called "ignorant and ridiculous".

On Monday, Olo told the Samoa Observer that if he was Prime Minister he would put the ambassador on a flight back to China.

Our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says people in Samoa are growing more concerned with China's obvious presence there.

"There are people raising concerns over a number of Chinese businesses in the country, especially shops, and plus Chinese aid to Samoa and a number of contractors from China who have been awarded to build these buildings here," Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said.

It is common practice around the Pacific for aid projects to fly the flags of donors.