Kiribati suspends all diplomatic visits amid ongoing elections and growing ties with China. The move raises concerns about foreign influence and the strategic importance of the Pacific Island nation.
Bollywood Fever: The government of Kiribati has announced a suspension of all diplomatic visits to the Pacific Island nation until next year, citing its ongoing election process that could last several more months.
This decision, confirmed by an official from Kiribati’s foreign ministry on Thursday, has led to the cancellation of several planned diplomatic trips.
The pause comes as the nation navigates escalating tensions between Western powers and China over its strategic ties.
Kiribati, a low-lying atoll home to 120,000 people, has become increasingly important due to its proximity to Hawaii and its location within a vast ocean expanse.
This has sparked a strategic rivalry between Western nations and China, which has deepened its influence in the region.
The recent national election, which took place this month, saw votes cast for 44 of the 45 seats in Kiribati’s parliament.
However, the winners have yet to declare their party affiliations, and negotiations are ongoing to determine the governing bloc. A presidential election is expected to follow in October.
Turia Tekirua, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated that until a new government is formed and a president is elected, the country cannot accommodate diplomatic visits. However, small delegations may apply for exemptions.
The suspension of diplomatic visits has raised concerns among analysts, who suggest that the move may be an effort to avoid foreign scrutiny during the sensitive period of government formation.
Mihai Sora, director of the Pacific islands program at the Lowy Institute, observed that the suspension might also provide political cover for the intense negotiations and lobbying leading up to the presidential vote.
In recent years, Kiribati has shifted its diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, joining other Pacific nations in aligning with Beijing.
This decision has increased Chinese aid to the island nation but has also caused friction with Western allies, particularly Australia, a major aid donor.
Ahead of the elections, concerns were raised in Australia about the limited information coming out of Kiribati, as well as delayed or refused visas for foreign officials and judges. This has fueled speculation that Beijing’s influence is growing in the region.
The suspension of diplomatic visits will not affect diplomats currently stationed in Kiribati, where countries like Australia and China already have a presence.
The U.S. has also announced plans for an embassy in Kiribati, though it is still awaiting government approval.
George Carter, an expert on Kiribati at the Australian National University, suggested that the ban on visits might be an attempt to protect the political process from foreign interference. “This is a way for the current government to say we want to be just among Kiribati, no foreign interference,” Carter said.
A senior New Zealand government official indicated that it remains unclear how broadly the suspension of diplomatic visits will be interpreted.
New Zealand’s foreign ministry acknowledged the suspension in a statement, while Australia’s department of foreign affairs declined to share official correspondence from other governments.
Kiribati’s president since 2016, Taneti Maamau, who has strengthened ties with China, won his parliamentary seat and is seeking a third presidential term.
Opposition leader Tessie Lambourne also secured her seat, and the newly elected members are currently working to form voting blocs.
Kiribati, one of the most aid-dependent nations in the world, faces significant challenges, including the threat of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
The country’s economy relies heavily on foreign aid, and it is rated at high risk of external debt distress by the International Monetary Fund.
Amid the ongoing election process, Ruth Cross Kwansing, one of the record five women elected to parliament, has yet to choose her party affiliation.
She emphasized the importance of increased female participation in decision-making roles, saying, “Health, peace, reconciliation and economic progress will flood every aspect of life as long as women and men are working alongside each other.”
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