The Chinese government decided to cease the diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati as of Saturday, according to official sources.  

Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati Ma Shuxue again made solemn representations in Kiribati's capital Tarawa Saturday with the Kiribati government on its establishment of so-called "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan.

According to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Ma pointed out that the Kiribati government, regardless of the China-Kiribati friendly relations and oppositions from various sides in Kiribati, obstinately acted to make "two Chinas."

Such a move defies the communique signed by China and Kiribati on establishment of diplomatic relations and the principles of the United Nations charter, grossly interferes with China's internal affairs, and seriously undermines China-Kiribati relations and friendship between the two peoples, Ma said.

The Chinese government lodges strong protest to the Kiribati government and decides to cease the diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati as of Saturday, Ma said, adding that implementation of all agreements between the two governments stop immediately.

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2003)