by H.E. Ambassador Zhou Limin
In a recent article, Kiribati Ambassador to China, H.E. David Ateti Teabo, used the word ‘BIG’ to describe China from his perspective. I was deeply touched and inspired by his article, which was full of the Ambassador's personal and true feelings on China. It has been nearly a year since I assumed the post as the Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati. I would also like to choose a word to describe Kiribati, it would be ‘SMART’.
Splendid Scenery
The letter S stands for splendid scenery. Kiribati is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and consists of 33 atolls and islands in three archipelagos. From a bird’s eye view, these islands resemble strings of necklaces with jewels scattered across the vast expansion of the Pacific Ocean. The presence of the lagoon contributes to the unique and fascinating scene that can be observed from afar, where the lagoon, the outer ocean and the blue sky are clear and integrated, creating a distinctive visual effect. My colleagues praised that any photo taken in Kiribati has the potential to be a hot post on social media. Kiribati is blessed with almost everything you could imagine in an island: blue sea, clear sky, silver sand, coconut groves, fishing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, bird watching. You might like to relax in a hammock under a coconut tree or perhaps grab a shovel and bucket to catch crabs when the stars are shining. A stroll through the island's natural beauty could ease any worries. Since last year, Kiribati Government implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, making it more convenient for Chinese friends to travel to Kiribati. If you are seeking to experience the beauty of nature, the island's unique charms, or the beauty of pristine environment, Kiribati is undoubtedly a wonderful destination for you.
Marvellous Culture
The letter M stands for Marvellous Culture. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of experiencing the kindness and hospitality of Kiribati people, as well as the diversity, inclusiveness and unique charm of Kiribati culture. Upon my arrival, I made a visit to Kiribati National Museum, where I was able to gain further insight into the Kiribati cultural traditions. I was fortunate to receive warm welcome wherever I visited. Kiribati friends from all walks of life generously gifted me with various local handicrafts, including mats, shell necklaces, Mauri shirts etc. These items reflect the wisdom of Kiribati people and their vibrant culture. It would be remiss of me not to mention Kiribati's distinctive botaki culture. The Maneaba serves as a dignified venue, while the garlanding shows the respect for distinguished guests. During the botaki, it is an essential part for the host to invite guests to dance together, which creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. There appear to be many similarities between Kiribati and Chinese culture. We both respect our history and traditions, we both respect Unimwane and Unaine, and we place great importance on family. Kiribati's values of mutual respect, consultation, justice and peace are similar to those of Chinese culture, such as treating all people with respect, seeing the world as a shared space, treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves and so on. Since the first day I set foot on Tarawa, I never felt the so-called ‘culture shock’, but rather a sense of familiarity and closeness.
Ambitious Strategy
The letter A represents an ambitious strategy. Kiribati 20 Year Development Plan (KV20) serves as a blueprint for the development of Kiribati. H.E. President Taneti Maamau set out this ambitious vision and led Kiribati people to achieve historic achievements in various areas. Kiribati Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund (RERF) has reached 1.5 billion, people’s income levels in the outer islands have risen, and allowances for the elders and the unemployed have benefited the social well-being. In the past year, I have observed an increase in the number of cars on the roads, a wider range of goods in supermarkets, and new entertainment equipments at playgrounds, which are strong proofs on the improvement of Kiribati people’s life quality. Furthermore, projects such as tug and barge, landing craft, South Tarawa transport network system, and the Butaritari Island road upgrading and reconstruction have become tangible outcomes of significant advancement in the field of infrastructure. It is promising that under the ambitious strategy of KV20, Kiribati will be much more prosperous.
Resilient People
The letter R stands for Resilient People. Kiribati people are resilient and determined to overcome challenges. As a small island nation, Kiribati faces various challenges brought by climate change, including sea level rise, climate anomalies, etc. Despite the challenging circumstances, Kiribati people have not succumbed to despair or complained about the nature. Instead, they have taken proactive measures to adapt to the environment, constructing seawalls, planting mangroves, fighting against droughts and torrential rains. Their resilience and tenacity are commendable and admirable. Meanwhile, as a Pacific island country, Kiribati’s economic and social development faces many unfavourable conditions. However, Kiribati people have a positive and optimistic attitude towards life, and I have been deeply inspired by this over the past year.
Tremendous Size
The letter T stands for Tremendous Size. Kiribati is a vast country with 33 atolls and islands spread over an expansion of ocean equivalent in size to the contiguous United States. Stretching 3,870 kilometers from east to west and 2,050 kilometers from north to south, it is the only country in the world that straddles four hemispheres. With a marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of around 3.5 million square kilometers, Kiribati ranks the thirteenth in the world and is a significant maritime presence. Christmas Island, at 388 square kilometers, is the largest single atoll in the world, which is a masterpiece of nature. Kiribati is rich in fishery resources, with a catch of 2.7 million tonnes of tuna in 2020, accounting for 54% of the global tuna catch. The offshore seabed has deposits of manganese, nickel and other minerals, and latent abundant resources. The outstanding natural endowment is a solid foundation for development, and the tremendous scale offers a wealth of possibilities, the future of Kiribati is full of promise and potential.
Conclusion
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati. Over the past five years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, bilateral relationship has developed rapidly, the two peoples have been closer, and pragmatic cooperation has achieved fruitful results. This July, H.E. President Taneti Maamau delivered a speech at the 45th Kiribati Independence Day, summarizing Kiribati development achievements in recent years, and outlining a bright vision for Kiribati future development. At the same time, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened its third plenary session in Beijing, which outlined a grand blueprint for China to further deepen reform across the board and advance Chinese modernization. Kiribati and Chinese people are pursuing development, prosperity and peace in their unique and own ways. It is believed that under the guidance of our leaders, BIG China and SMART Kiribati will learn from each other and work hand in hand on the basis of mutual respect, and the relationship between the two countries will surely move towards a higher level, which will benefit the two peoples more and better.
Finally, I would like to conclude my article with the Kiribati traditional blessings: Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa!