Zhang Jun, chief justice of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, held a video meeting with Satiu Simativa Perese, chief justice of Samoa, on May 11.

Zhang Jun, chief justice of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, holds a video meeting with Satiu Simativa Perese, chief justice of  Samoa, on May 11, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang, also president of China's SPC, acknowledged the long-term friendship between the two countries, saying that Samoa is one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, and also the first island country in the south Pacific region to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China. Bilateral relations have achieved significant development with fruitful results of pragmatic cooperation in various fields since the establishment of the ties, he said.

Zhang Jun, chief justice of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, holds a video meeting with Satiu Simativa Perese, chief justice of  Samoa, on May 11, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang gave a brief introduction of Chinese courts and the latest progress of China's rule of law development and judicial reform, and elaborated on such key issues as litigation source governance and the reform of the leniency system for criminal cases related to confession and acceptance of punishment. He said that the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China made specific deployment of China's rule of law development, adding that courts in China have striven to implement the guiding principles of the congress, which has improved their work efficiency and enhanced the people's sense of gain, happiness and security.
The SPC of China is ready to work with the Supreme Court of Samoa to strengthen communication and mutual learning, provide better legal guarantees for deepening the friendly relationship between the two countries, as well as strong judicial services for the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Zhang said.

Satiu acknowledged the achievements of judicial cooperation between Samoa and China, and introduced their explorations on reforming the trial system, hierarchical structure and organizational framework of their courts. He expressed his wish to learn from the experiences of Chinese courts, and hoped to take this meeting as an opportunity to maintain a good development momentum, strengthen understanding and communication, and further deepen the country's friendly cooperative relationship with China. He also invited Zhang to visit courts in Samoa when it is convenient.

The two sides also held in-depth exchanges on topics of common interest, including juvenile trials and case management.