ISABELLE MULLEN: King Charles’ visit to Samoa comes as China tries to extend its Pacific influence

It’s known for its coconut oil, copra, beer, and fish.

Samoa.

A beacon of relaxation, reinforced by waves of Polynesian music and an almighty sense of community.

But this week the tiny island nation known as the “Cradle of Polynesia” will attract a different sort of attention.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived bringing with them a circus of staff and media.

They’re not there for a holiday but for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, after a whirlwind tour in Australia.

Villages have been primed and polished. Ready for royalty.

Street after street lined with Samoan flags.

Locals are excited.

Samoa is taking its responsibility as host seriously, undergoing a major beautification. Its government allocated $40 million to host this summit.

Thousands of people from all over the world have descended on Apia, Samoa’s capital.

It’s something like 4000 delegates, from 56 member nations. So many people have flown in that a cruise ship has docked off Apia, so everyone has somewhere to sleep.

Despite the obvious local excitement, critics are already questioning the summit’s relevance, criticising its roots in the British Empire.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM is a throwback to our imperial past, and the Commonwealth of Nations formed in 1949.

It’s on the nose with Republicans who believe countries should be fending for themselves.

But in this climate of global uncertainty, is a show of solidarity — however symbolic — such a bad thing?

In the Pacific Islands, a connection to the British monarchy is as important now as it’s ever been.

It’s a chance for the Commonwealth to sell its ideals while the world watches.

The summit’s architects have packaged a message of unity and strength, in a region where China’s presence is being felt more and more each day.

It’s also a chance for Pacific Island nations to ask for the financial help they desperately need.

In this part of the world, the growing threat of climate change is the number one issue.

Low-lying island nations and communities in Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Fiji are among the most at risk of rising sea levels.

One day they could disappear altogether.

Because most Commonwealth members are developing countries, access to climate finance is critical.

At this summit, an Ocean Declaration could be adopted, which would identify shared priorities around “sustainable governance of the seas” for the first time.

Samoan people are excited and for good reason. Not only is this the first CHOGM to be hosted by a Pacific country, but it’s also the first time King Charles has attended the summit as head of the Commonwealth.

Combating climate change is a lifelong passion of King Charles, which is a bonus.

His arrival is timely as China works to increase its influence in the Pacific.

Beijing is now the second largest source of development finance in the Pacific, second only to Australia.

Infrastructure projects funded by Beijing are now popping up everywhere.

And China’s investment is as strategic as it is economic.

Between 2006 and 2017 China provided up to $1.5 billion worth of loans and grants to Pacific Island nations.

So, while critics may say CHOGM is outdated, its symbolism is very contemporary.

Trade between Commonwealth nations is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2026 and $2 trillion by 2030.

For those still unconvinced of its value, there’s always the star quality of royalty to attract eyes from all over the world.

Three reigning monarchs will attend this summit: King Charles, as well as royalty from Brunei and Eswatini.

There are even rumours Elon Musk could make an appearance.

Isabelle Mullen is a 7NEWS Federal political reporter