Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati

On January 6, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi Jinping said that China and Kiribati resumed diplomatic relations last September on the basis of the One China principle, opening a new chapter for the development of bilateral relations. Since then, the two sides have carried out robust exchanges and cooperation in various areas and at all levels with quite a few early-harvest outcomes.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the two sides need to deepen political mutual trust. China sticks to the path of peaceful development, and does not seek hegemony nor attempt to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. As the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries should also expand practical cooperation by seeking the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with Kiribati’s 20-year vision development plan.

Taneti Maamau confirmed that the Kiribati side made the important decision to restore diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China based on trust and confidence in China. He also added that Kiribati will firmly adhere to the One China policy, respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support China’s “one country, two systems” policy, and its realization of the great cause of reunification. Kiribati looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China.