Wed June, 2021, Age: 3 years
Samoan leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told parliament that he could build a Chinese-backed port for $100 million, a third of its original estimated cost. Tuilaepa’s claim comes as he attempts to remain in power amid a tight parliamentary election. The project was originally projected to cost $300 million, causing the Asian Development Bank to deem it not economically viable. Tuilaepa has been a long-time ally of China.