On 26 June, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Taneti Maamau on his re-election as President of Kiribati.

In his message, Xi noted the rapid growth of China-Kiribati relations and the fruitful cooperation in various fields since the resumption of diplomatic ties in September 2019. He recalled the productive meeting with Maamau during the latter's successful visit to China in January 2020. He also commended the solidarity and mutual assistance between the two countries in fighting COVID-19 as a further testimony to the friendship between the two peoples. "I attach great importance to China's relations with Kiribati," said Xi in the message, expressing readiness to work with Maamau to take the relationship to new heights for greater benefit to both countries and peoples.