China matches US contribution to Pacific environmental body a week after Trump pulls out
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Just over a week after the United States announced its withdrawal from the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) — China has stepped in to fill the fundi

![China's ambassador to Samoa Fei Mingxing hands over a ceremonial cheque for USD$200,000 to SPREP director of legal services and governing bodies Aumua Clark Peteru. Apia, Samoa January 14, 2026 [Photo: Savali Newspaper/Pule Puleaina] China's ambassador to Samoa Fei Mingxing and Aumua Clark Peteru](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/china_check_copy.jpg?itok=mByMt2gs)
![The Prime Minister, Gov. Pulaali’i and their advisors will be holding discussions with Google officials. [Samoa govt photo] Governor and Samoa PM](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/gov_pula_pm_schmidt.jpg?itok=_MrPpeJd)







![Police confirmed that illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, and cash were confiscated during a coordinated drug raid across three villages in Savai‘i last Friday. Fifteen (15) people were detained in the sweep, with 3 later released when their alleged involvement could not be substantiated. [courtesy photo] drugs, firearms, ammunition, and cash](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/drug_raid_in_savaii.jpg?itok=8wCXp_ZZ)