Oceania Kiribati The government says a new runway on the small island of Kanton, with a population of about 20 people, will facilitate high-end ecotourism on the island, and provide an alternative to existing runways for future domestic and international flights
Oceania Kiribati Parliament is preparing for the presidential elections, when deputies will choose the country's next leader; among the deputies of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu Legislative Assembly is a record number of five women
Oceania Kiribati The country is 'exercising sovereignty' in banning diplomats, according to University of Adelaide academics Henrietta McNeill and Maualaivao Maima Koro, in paper titled 'Pacific States Are Setting Terms for Diplomatic Engagement'
Oceania Kiribati New parliamentarian Ruth Cross Kwansing said she wanted to help move the country from a situation of 'over-dependence' on received support to greater self-sufficiency, backing incumbent president Taneti Maamau, a staunch supporter of Beijing
Oceania Kiribati Kiribati has banned visits by foreign officials until 2025, even cancelling some scheduled events, to try and avoid foreign influence during the negotiations for the formation of the government