Cancellation of China-funded project won't impact relations

Samoa's new prime minister asserts the cancellation of a key China-funded maritime port project will not hinder their strong relationship with Beijing.

Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has cancelled the 100-million-US dollar Vaiusu Bay development saying it exceeded the country's needs and risked too much financial exposure in uncertain times.

The project had been championed by Samoa's former prime minister.

Fiame told reporter Dominic Godfrey that the investment was a sizeable one for any government including China and she had serious reservations about that level of commitment.

But she started out talking about her new government's decision to stick with emergency spending protocols already in place until they have had a chance to review the country's long overdue budget.