On 17th May, The Chinese Embassy Held a Symposium on the theme of “Reviewing the initial intention of resuming diplomatic relations, Moving forward together for a shared future”. H.E. President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau, Honorable Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu, Hon. Minister Mikarite Temari and Tinte Itinteang, Hon. MP Betero Atanibora, Tebuai Uaai and Tinian Reiher, Secretary to the Cabinet Naomi Biribo and Secretary of MFAI Uering Iteraera, representatives from local Chinese community and Chinese Alumni in Kiribati attended the symposium.

On behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Ambassador Zhou Limin expressed his gratitude to H.E. President Taneti Maamau, his government, and all those who did contributions to the resumption and development of China-Kiribati relations. Ambassador Zhou emphasized, the reason why China-Kiribati cooperation has achieved such fruitful results is because we stay true to the original aspiration for a prosperous shared future. Five years ago, Kiribati stood on the right side of history and recognized the one-China principle, that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Chinese government respects and appreciates that the Kiribati government has been committed to the one-China principle. Also China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Kiribati, fully respects its will, fully respects its cultural traditions and fully respects its effort to seek strength through unity. Over the past 5 years, mutual respect has been the cornerstone of our relationship and pragmatic cooperation has flourished, yielding tangible results across various sectors. The two sides firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will always remain a trustworthy friend and a reliable brother of Kiribati. The two Countries should further enhance political mutual trust, further deepen practical cooperation and further strengthen people-to-people friendship. China-Kiribati relations are in line with the trend of the times, in line with the international trend, in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and will surely have a brighter future!

H.E. President Taneti Maamau affirmed the profound importance of China’s unwavering support to Kiribati, as well as the invaluable assistance and cooperation, which has significantly contributed to Kiribati advancement and prosperity. The government of Kiribati remains committed to uphold one-China principle as articulated in the United Nations Resolution 2758. In accordance with this foundational resolution, Kiribati unequivocally affirms that Taiwan is an inseperate part of the People’s Republic of China. This stance underscores Kiribati’s steadfast commitment to upholding international law and respecting the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of all nations. By adhereing to the principles enshrined by the United Nations Resolution 2758, Kiribati aligns itself with the global consensus regarding the status of Taiwan and affirms its support for China’s rightful position on matters of national unity and sovereignty. H.E. President Taneti Maamau also extends his best wishes that may we continue to advance with unwavering optimism and determination, work hand in hand to address shared challenges, seize opportunities for cooperation and build a bright future for both our peoples.

During the symposium, distingushed guests reflected on the history of our relationship, shared the experiences of cooperation, and looked forward to the shared prosperous future of the two countries.