Chinese, Oceanian scholars discuss China's regional role in Pacific

"The conference will look at issues relating to the contribution of the Chinese government to the people of the Pacific, their role in development and how they are understood by the Pacific countries, New Zealand, Australia and the smaller island countries," Prof. Fui Le'apai Tu'ua Ilaoa Asofou So'o, vice chancellor and president of the National University of Samoa said ahead of the conference, adding that "relationship will be the main conversation."

Talking about the National University of Samoa's Marine Campus, currently under construction and funded by the Chinese government, Prof. Asofou So'o said: "It took us a while to identify some development partners to help with construction until China came to our assistance. This (campus) comprises of the marine training school and marine research arm of the Faculty of Science ... Once it's completed, then we are able to relocate programmes, so a big thank you to the government of China."

Officially launched on May 4, 2012 by Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, the Center for Oceania Studies' primary areas of research include political and legal systems in Oceanian countries, economic development of Oceania, external relations of Oceanian countries, as well as society, history and culture of Oceania.

Founded in 1984, the National University of Samoa offers a wide range of programs such as arts, science, business and entrepreneurship, education, and medicine.

The New Zealand Contemporary China Research Center is the country's national center to promote knowledge and understanding of contemporary China through support for research including collaborative research, lectures, seminars, conferences, visitor exchanges and information sharing.