Kiribati considers constitutional change to cement diplomatic recognition of China

Kiribati's parliament is preparing to vote on a constitutional amendment that would prevent future governments from switching diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan. The tiny Pacific nation has switched recognition between China and Taiwan three times, most recently in 2019. Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau has cultivated a close relationship with China and is seen as one of the country's strongest supporters in the region.

The proposed bill, backed by Maamau, aims to ensure Kiribati never returns to recognize Taiwan. The bill specifies that diplomatic ties should only be maintained with UN member states or permanent observers, excluding Taiwan, which has been denied UN membership since 1971. While the bill does not mention either China or Taiwan by name, it essentially makes it much harder for future governments to recognize Taipei.

Maamau's push for this constitutional change is viewed as an effort to send a message of support to Beijing, as Kiribati appears to be one of China's most important allies in the Pacific Islands Forum. However, some experts warn that the proposed change could complicate Kiribati's ties with other Pacific Island nations, such as Niue and the Cook Islands, as they are not UN member states.