Kiribati sets example for Palau on Taiwan, says Chen Guiqing

Summary

In an article for Huanqiu. com, Chen Guiqing, director of external relations at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Kiribati is pursuing a constitutional amendment to permanently outlaw diplomatic relations with Taiwan. President Taneti Maamau supports the bill, likening the relationship to a 'mismatched marriage'.

Meanwhile, Palau has allowed Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan's foreign affairs chief, to attend the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting from 30 August to 4 September. Chen noted that since restoring diplomatic ties with China in 2019, Kiribati has adhered to UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. With 183 countries now having diplomatic relations with China, only 12 retain so-called ties with Taiwan, and Taiwan's 'dollar diplomacy' will ultimately fail.

Commentary

Divisions over Taiwan inside the Pacific Islands Forum are reshaping regional dynamics. Kiribati's constitutional push to lock in its One-China stance aims to secure stable Chinese investment in infrastructure and fisheries, while Palau's invitation to Taiwan's foreign affairs chief risks losing access to China-led blue economy cooperation. New Zealand SMEs that export building materials, cold-chain equipment and professional services to Pacific island countries should take note.

Political certainty in Kiribati could accelerate tenders for Chinese-funded projects, allowing NZ suppliers to participate as subcontractors through regional banks. Conversely, a forum split over Taiwan would weaken PACER Plus coordination and raise trade compliance costs. Ultimately, the South Pacific contest is about development financing, and NZ firms should stay flexible in infrastructure supply and renewable energy.

Keywords: One-China principle, Kiribati, Pacific Islands Forum

Source: Global Times