On May 8, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati held the handover ceremony for the fifth batch of China-aid medical supplies to Kiribati. Mr. Zhao Jian, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy, and Bootii Nauan, Hon. Minister of Health and Medical Services of Kiribati, jointly attended the event and delivered speeches. Diplomats of the Chinese Embassy, members of the fifth batch of the China medical team in Kiribati, as well as representatives from MHMS and Tungaru Central Hospital, were present at the ceremony.

In his speech, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Zhao Jian stated that medical and health care is a key area of China-Kiribati cooperation, and this donation is another pragmatic achievement of health cooperation between the two sides. China has sent five consecutive batches of medical teams to Kiribati since 2022, and stands ready to remain a reliable partner in the development of Kiribati's health service, building a "bridge of health" connecting the people of the two countries.

Hon. Minister Bootii Nauan extended his gratitude to China for its selfless assistance. He noted that China's aid can effectively fill the gap in local medical resources, improve the accessibility of medical services, and make important contributions to improving the health of the Kiribati people. He looked forward to continuing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China in the health sector.