Kiribati’s Pro-China President Wins Reelection for Third Term

Chinese leader Xi Jinping congratulated the Pacific island leader, as did officials from New Zealand and Australia.

Taneti Maamau, president of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, speaks at the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference at Expo City Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Dec. 9, 2023. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, whose administration has focused on deepening relations with China, has been reelected for a third term in an Oct. 25 election of the low-lying Pacific island.

Maamau retained his position by securing 55 percent of the vote, defeating his closest opponent, Kaotitaake Kokoria, who received 42 percent, according to multiple reports.