China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has announced that China is ready to further strengthen its relationship with Kiribati, aiming to enhance the well-being of the Kiribati people. The announcement came during a meeting with Kiribati’s President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau in Xiamen City, southeast China’s Fujian Province.
The two leaders met ahead of the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Since resuming diplomatic relations over five years ago, China and Kiribati have seen rapid advancements in their bilateral ties, with deepening political trust and fruitful cooperation across various fields.
“China values its relationship with Kiribati and appreciates the country’s firm commitment to the one-China principle,” Wang Yi stated. He highlighted that the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati was the first among foreign missions in the Pacific Island nation to offer visa services, and that Chinese medical teams have helped address local healthcare challenges.
Wang Yi expressed China’s intention to encourage reputable Chinese enterprises to invest in Kiribati, citing opportunities to collaborate under the “Blue Partnership” framework, which focuses on marine resource protection, development, and utilization.
Addressing the issue of climate change, Wang Yi acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island countries like Kiribati. He affirmed China’s readiness to work with developing nations to urge developed countries to fulfill their historical responsibilities and provide increased support in finance, technology, and capacity-building. China will continue to assist Kiribati in enhancing its climate resilience under the South-South cooperation framework.
President Taneti Maamau expressed gratitude for China’s strong support in Kiribati’s economic and social development. He looked forward to deepening cooperation in areas such as cultural exchanges, healthcare, infrastructure, sister-city relationships, the blue economy, and climate change.
Both sides expressed confidence in the success of the upcoming China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, signaling a positive outlook for future collaboration.
