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Samoa welcomes 'flexible' China in Pacific

WELLINGTON, June 1, 2012 (AFP) - - Samoa's prime minister on Friday said he welcomed China's growing influence in the South Pacific and accused the United States of only paying \lip service\ to the region.Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi also said Beijing, which has boosted its aid presence in the South Pacific in recent years, was more flexible than traditional donors Australia and New Zealand.As his country marks 50 years of independence, Malielegaoi said he was glad to see China's increased involvement in the region, even though Canberra and Wellington were uncomfortable with it.\You (Australia and New Zealand) are expressing your concerns against the Chinese and their influence in the Pacific (but) we brought the Chinese in