The government of Kiribati has decided to suspend all diplomatic visits to the small Pacific Island nation until next year and has already cancelled some planned visits. This decision was made due to the ongoing election process, which is expected to last for several more months, according to an official on Thursday.
A message announcing the suspension of diplomatic trips was sent to countries that have diplomatic relations with Kiribati. This move comes amidst growing tensions between Kiribati and Western nations, especially Australia, over the country’s increasing ties with China.
Kiribati, a low-lying atoll with a population of 120,000, faces the threat of rising sea levels and lacks the resource wealth or tourism appeal of other Pacific islands. However, its strategic location near Hawai’i has sparked a power struggle between Western powers and China.
The recent national election saw 44 out of the 45 seats in Kiribati’s parliament being contested, with negotiations currently underway to form a governing group and elect a president expected by October. Due to this ongoing process, diplomatic visits cannot be accommodated until a new government is formed.
Analysts believe that this suspension could be a strategy to avoid international scrutiny during the government formation process and to allow for political negotiations leading up to the presidential vote.
Kiribati shifted its allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2019, citing national interests. Concerns have been raised about Beijing’s growing influence in Kiribati, including delayed visas for foreign officials and judges, prompting the suspension of diplomatic visits.
Despite the ban on visits, diplomats will not be ejected from Kiribati. Some countries, such as Australia and China, already have a presence in the region, with the United States planning to establish an embassy in Kiribati in 2022.
The ban on diplomatic visits is seen as a means to protect Kiribati’s politicians from foreign interference as they negotiate to form a new government. This move reflects a desire to maintain sovereignty and minimize external influences during a critical political period.
As the country awaits the outcome of the elections, it remains dependent on aid and faces challenges such as environmental threats and external debt distress. The newly-elected lawmakers, including a record number of women, are working to address these issues and promote gender equality in decision-making and development.