Kiribati is a small island state located at an equal distance from New Zealand i United States. A country consisting of 33 islands just over 130 thousand residents. Despite this, it became part of the war of the powers of influence in the region.
Kiribati is located relatively nearby Hawaii and American military base in Guam. This gives the island state a strategic importance.
It turns out that for now it is better in this quiet competition with the USA The Chinese are doing. CNN TV portal described in detail the string of misunderstandings on the line New Zealand-Kiribati. The case seems trivial, and CNN describes it as “diplomatic quarrels”. However, an innocent quarrel caused a wave of accusations.
New Zealand. Dispute with Kiribati. It was not over the acceptance of the delegation
It went Sudden movement of the deputy prime minister and the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. Winston Peters He reported that the government could freeze multi -million financial assistance for Kiribati.
It is a reaction to the not concept of the Kiribati authorities New Zealand delegation. In January, politicians from Wellington were to come to the opening ceremony of the modernized hospital, to which they allocated $ 14 million. During the event, a meeting with the President of Kiribati was planned Tantimbut the leader reported that “would not be available then.”
“No contacts at political level It makes it very difficult for us to agree on joint priorities our development program and assurance that it is well targeted ” – we read in a message provided by Winston's office Peters.
Only in the years 2021-2024 New Zealand gave the island state financial assistance in the amount of $ 57 millionbecoming one of the greatest foreign donors.
– New Zealand has problems establishing contact with the Kiribati government, including in key areas, e.g. health, climate and education – assessed Anna Powles from the University of Massey.
Misunderstanding of two countries. The Chinese are fighting for influence in the Pacific?
President Kiribati defended himself and explained that There was a misunderstanding. CNN pointed to the close links of the island country with China. The governments of both countries concluded in 2022 Ten -point cooperation agreement.
“Kiribati clearly indicated who his preferred partners in the region are,” she said. She also reminded that Western countries have recently had a problem with maintaining contacts with Kiribati, “while China does not have such problems at all.”
The authors of the publication point to Prochinskie actions of the President of Kiribati. These are manifested, among others In the party of the Chinese point of view to the matter of independence Taiwan. Kiribati has been recognizing this area for several years An inseparable part of China.
New Zealand will follow Trump? They want to freeze financial help
New Zealand, Australia and United States They have previously protested in the Kiribati case. It was about the presence of uniformed Chinese soldiers in this island country.
The diplomatic dispute takes place at a time when he took power in the United States Donald Trump. The US President has recently frozen foreign financial assistance transferred by Washington. It turns out that The New Zealanders will follow in the footsteps of the Republican.
The next movement of politicians in Wellington is alleviating visa regulations. The center -right government wants to attract foreign investors, thus stimulating economic growth.