1. Bilateral political relations

ChinaandKiribatiestablished diplomatic relations onJune 25, 1980.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed steadily.OnDecember 11, 1981, the first Chinese Ambassador toKiribati(acting concurrently by Chinese Ambassador toFiji) presented his credentials to theKiribatiPresident.OnNovember 13, 1982, the firstKiribatiAmbassador toChina(roving ambassador) arrived inChinato present his credentials.In February 1990,Chinaopened its embassy inKiribati.In July 1991,Chinaaccredited its full-time ambassador toKiribatiand in April 1993 accredited its resident ambassador.

Those who have visited China from Kiribati include: President Leremia Tabai (in 1985 and 1988), President Beretienti Teatao Teannaki (in August 1992), President Teburoro Tito (in September 1996 and July 2002), Vice President Tewareka Tentoa (in May 1999), Speaker of the House of AssemblyBeretitara Neeti(in June, 1993 and in June 1998), Speaker Tekiree Tamuera (in 2000), Minister of Information, Communication and Transportation Manraoi Kauea (in September 1996), Prosecutor General Michael Takabwebwe(in September 1996), Minister of Industry and Commerce Tim Taekiti (in April 1998), Minister of Health and Family Planning Baraniko Moa (May 1999), Minister of Transport Willie Tokataake (in May and August 1999), Auditor General Takinoa Toatu (in August 1999), Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Teaiwa Tenieu (in May 2000), Minister of Engineering Manraoi Kaiea (in July 2000), Minister of Natural Resources Development Emile Schutz (in July 2000), Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Beniamina Tinga (in September 2000), Permanent Secretary and Secretary General of the Cabinet (in May 2001), Minister of Environment and Social Development Kataotika Tekee (in 2001), Minister of Education, Training and Science and Technology Teambo Keariki (in June 2002), and Minister of Information, Communication and Transport Willie Tokataake (in October 2002).

Those who have visited Kiribati from China include: Peng Chong, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee (in 1992), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Huaqiu (in 1991), Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (in 1996), Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade Lu Xuejian (in 1990), Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade Sun Guangxiang (in 1999), and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi (in 2000).

In May 2002, during attending a UN conference, State Councillor Wu Yi met withKiribatiPresident Tito inNew York.

2. Bilateral economic and trade relations

The volume of trade between the two countries in 2002 was US$490,000, and all are for exports fromChina.

3. Exchanges in the fields of education, science and technology, culture and health

Since 1990,Chinahas sent six medical teams toKiribati.

In August 1998, a Chinese acrobatic team proceeded toKiribatito give performance.

In December 1999, a group from the Beijing Television Station for filming a special New Year program arrived inKiribatifor interviews and filming.President of Kiribati Tito agreed to give an interview, and extended New Year Greetings to the Chinese people through the Beijing TV Station.

At present, nineKiribatistudents are studying inChinawith scholarships provided by the Chinese Government.

4.Major bilateral agreement

The Communiquéon the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic ofChinaand theRepublicofKiribatiissued onJune 25, 1980.