China attaches great importance to the development of relations with Samoa and is willing to deepen cooperation with the country, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ming at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Mao made the statement in response to a media query regarding China's assessment of the development of China-Samoa relations and China's expectations for deepening the relationship, as Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. "Samoa is China's good friend and good partner in the Pacific islands region. To mark the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic relations, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Samoa's Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt respectively. As President Xi Jinping pointed out, over the past 50 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, the two countries have always upheld mutual respect and equality and have firmly supported each other in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty. We've deepened political mutual trust, reaped fruitful results in our mutually beneficial cooperation, expanded cultural and people-to-people exchanges and delivered more benefits to the two peoples," said Mao. "China attaches great importance to the development of China-Samoa relations. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship, China stands ready to work with Samoa to carry forward our traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit our two peoples. China and Pacific island countries began to establish diplomatic relations 50 years ago, marking a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two sides. As we open a new historical chapter, China stands ready to continue working with the Pacific island countries to build an even closer China-Pacific island countries community with a shared future," Mao said. SHOTLIST: Beijing, China - Nov 6, 2025 1. Various of press briefing in progress, reporters; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Mao Ning, spokeswoman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Samoa is China's good friend and good partner in the Pacific islands region. To mark the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic relations, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Samoa's Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt respectively. As President Xi Jinping pointed out, over the past 50 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, the two countries have always upheld mutual respect and equality and have firmly supported each other in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty. We've deepened political mutual trust, reaped fruitful results in our mutually beneficial cooperation, expanded cultural and people-to-people exchanges and delivered more benefits to the two peoples."; 3. Various of reporters; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Mao Ning, spokeswoman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "China attaches great importance to the development of China-Samoa relations. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship, China stands ready to work with Samoa to carry forward our traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit our two peoples. China and Pacific island countries began to establish diplomatic relations 50 years ago, marking a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two sides. As we open a new historical chapter, China stands ready to continue working with the Pacific island countries to build an even closer China-Pacific island countries community with a shared future."; 5. Various of reporters. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]