Kiribati considers constitutional change to cement ties with China, block future recognition of Taiwan

Kiribati is contemplating a significant constitutional change that would prevent future governments from altering its diplomatic recognition, specifically targeting the possibility of re-establishing ties with Taiwan. The Pacific nation's parliament is set to vote on a bill that declares maintaining relations with countries not recognized by the United Nations as "embarrassing" and akin to a poor marital choice.

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As our BSHK (Beloved Sunny Home Kiribati) is an Independent State Member of the United Nations, our diplomatic relations shall be only with a country which had achieved its independent (sic) and (is) recognised as a State Member of the United Nations or a Permanent Observer.

This proposed amendment comes after Kiribati has switched its diplomatic recognition between China and Taiwan three times, most recently in 2019 when it severed ties with Taipei to re-establish relations with Beijing. Since then, President Taneti Maamau has cultivated a strong relationship with China, positioning Kiribati as a key supporter in the region.

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This move by Maamau appears to be almost entirely about sending a message to Beijing that Kiribati, or Beloved Sunny Home Kiribati [BSHK] as it is referred to in the proposal, is its most important booster at the Pacific Islands Forum.

The bill, championed by a government Member of Parliament and supported by President Maamau, does not explicitly name Taiwan or China. However, its language clearly aims to make it substantially more difficult for subsequent administrations to recognize Taipei. The proposed text stipulates that as an independent UN member state, Kiribati's diplomatic relations should exclusively be with countries recognized as UN member states or permanent observers.

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Kiribati has switched between Taiwan and China thrice, going first to China [1980], then Taiwan [2003] and back to China [2019] setting a record bested only by Nauru which has switched four times.

Taiwan has not been a UN member since 1971. The bill's explanatory memorandum further suggests the constitutional change would align Kiribati's diplomatic practices with its "traditional culture, belief, and practices." It likens establishing ties with non-UN members to a substandard marriage, arguing it diminishes Kiribati's international standing. Experts view this move as a strategic effort by President Maamau to signal unwavering support to Beijing, ensuring Kiribati remains a steadfast ally in the Pacific Islands Forum, regardless of future leadership changes.

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Its need to compensate for its status as a frequent flipper, [Kiribati could well switch back if there were a change of government], in part drives this strange document.