Kiribati: President Maamau’s behaviour an expression of sovereignty and statu

29 Jan

A planned official visit by New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister to Kiribati did not go ahead over 21-22 January. According to the Deputy PM, this was one of multiple attempts to visit the recently re-elected President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau. Kiribati’s Minister of Education stated that the President had a conflicting ceremonial engagement organised by the Catholic Church on his home island. President Maamau embarked on a 3 day state visit to Fiji beginning 27 January and has not commented. The Deputy PM stated that New Zealand’s aid programme will be reviewed but the seasonal worker visa scheme will remain in place.

Assessment: President Maamau’s refusal to meet with the Deputy PM is highly likely a statement of sovereignty and not the covert direct influence of China. In 2022, President Maamau withdrew Kiribati from the Pacific Islands Forum due to a Micronesian candidate being passed over for Secretary. More recently, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister met with the Vice President rather than President Maamau. However, it is the avenue to China’s assistance that almost certainly provides some confidence to President Maamau to play such games, and this behaviour is likely to continue, especially if New Zealand’s aid is reduced as a result. While President Maamau perceives he is gaining domestic and regional status through these acts, it will almost certainly increase China’s influence as he perceives China as more friendly. President Maamau would likely agree to meet the Prime Ministers of New Zealand or Australia as they have an equal official status.

Sources: Koroi Hawkins, “New Zealand’s Aid for Kiribati under Review after Meeting Cancelled with Winston Peters,” RNZ, January 26, 2025; Koroi Hawkins, “NZ’s Diplomatic Tiff with Kiribati Could Push It Closer to China, Warns Expert,” RNZ, January 27, 2025; Koroi Hawkins, “NZ-Kiribati Fallout: Maamau Govt Minister Says Impacts to Be Felt by the People,” RNZ, January 27, 2025; Koroi Hawkins, “Winston Peters Rejects Kiribati’s Excuse as Hipkins Urges Constructive Diplomacy,” RNZ, January 28, 2025; Reginald Chandar, “Kiribati President Set for 3-Day State Visit,” FijiLive, January 25, 2025.