On May 28, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Xiamen with President and Foreign Minister of Kiribati Taneti Maamau, who is in China for the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Wang Yi first conveyed President Xi Jinping's sincere greetings and best wishes. Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati more than five years ago, bilateral relations have developed rapidly, with continuously deepening political mutual trust and fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation across various fields. Facts have proved that the decision made by President Taneti Maamau and the people of Kiribati to resume diplomatic relations with China is on the right side of history and is fully in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples. China always values its relations with Kiribati, and highly appreciates Kiribati's firm commitment to the one-China principle. China is willing to work with Kiribati to continue advancing bilateral relations and enhancing the well-being of the Kiribati people.

Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati, exchanges and cooperation in such fields as education, health, police affairs, culture, sports, and youth and at sub-national levels have gained thriving development. The Chinese Embassy was the first among foreign diplomatic missions in Kiribati to offer visa services, and Chinese medical teams have effectively addressed local medical service shortages. China will continue to encourage more capable and reputable Chinese-funded enterprises to invest and do business in Kiribati. Under the framework of the Blue Partnership, the two sides can strengthen cooperation in the protection, development and utilization of marine resources. China fully understands the special difficulties and legitimate concerns of Pacific Island countries (PICs) in addressing the climate change issue. China is willing to unite and cooperate with developing countries, including Kiribati, to jointly urge developed countries to face squarely their historical responsibilities, fulfill their commitments as soon as possible, and increase support for developing countries in terms of funds, technology and capacity building. China will continue to provide assistance to Kiribati in enhancing its capacity to address climate change within the framework of South-South cooperation.

Taneti Maamau asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people, and thanked China for its strong support for Kiribati's economic and social development. The resumption of diplomatic relations between Kiribati and China is a historic moment. Over the past five years, Kiribati has firmly pursued the one-China policy, and the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, significantly improving the livelihood of the Kiribati people. Kiribati looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with China in areas such as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, medical and health care, infrastructure, sister-city exchanges, marine economy, and climate change, promoting the Kiribati 20-year Vision, and bringing more benefits to the two peoples. Kiribati actively supports China's initiative to establish the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, which reflects China's leadership role. The friendly relationship between Kiribati and China is a vivid manifestation of the spirit of "solidarity and partnership" and will surely sail towards a bright future together.

Both sides expect the success of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Wang Yi said that the current world is fraught with turbulence and instability, posing severe challenges to Global South countries, especially small and medium-sized countries. The convening of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting is timely and will provide an important opportunity for China and PICs to jointly address risks and challenges and identify key areas of cooperation for the next phase under the new circumstances. The meeting will issue a joint statement, and China will also release a list of measures to implement the consensus reached at the meeting. Taneti Maamau expressed his willingness to play an active role in continuously promoting strong relations and fruitful cooperation between PICs and China.