China is a relatively new donor and player in the Pacific. Exploring how Pacific people perceive China’s aid is important for improving the effectiveness of China’s aid projects. However, while the literature on local perspectives on China’s assistance is not entirely absent, existing studies remain limited. This paper attempts to contribute to this discussion through exploring the divergent perceptions of Samoan people regarding the Vaiusu Wharf, a proposed Chinese-funded project in Samoa, and considering the implications for Chinese aid to Samoa and the wider Pacific region. To do so, this paper utilises a blended research strategy that combines case study and thematic analysis. This study explores the perceptions of this wharf project from two levels, including the then Samoan government and everyday Samoan citizens, based on a thematic analysis of archival materials. At its core, this paper argues that while both groups criticize the self-motivation part of China’s aid, they use divergent lenses and view the project from different positions, which complicates how the project is received in Samoa. Specially, while the project was welcomed at a government level, it was greeted with suspicion by many in the general public. Thus, considerations must be made by China and Samoa to ensure that any aid project takes into meaningful consideration of the public’s perspectives if it is to succeed.

Xuekun Guo. Exploring the Layered Perspectives of Samoan People on Chinese Aid Projects—A Case Study on the Proposed Chinese-funded Vaiusu Wharf Project in Samoa. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 1: 67-76. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFS.2025.070111.

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