Chinese diplomat pictured walking on locals’ backs highlights Pacific power struggle

Kiribati locals say the practice is a customary welcome for dignitaries and the photo of the Chinese ambassador has been taken out of context

The episode casts a fresh spotlight on Beijing’s ties with the Pacific nation, which seeks funding for an ambitious and expensive island-raising project

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Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together during a welcome ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People in January. Photo: AP

Published: 5:00am, 21 Aug 2020Updated: 9:04pm, 21 Aug 2020

Earlier this week, US and Australian officials were quick to express incredulity and outrage over an image shared on social media showing the Chinese ambassador to Kiribati walking across the backs of locals lying face down on the ground after he arrived on Marakei Island.

Commander Constantine Panayiotou, the US defence attaché to five Pacific Islands including Kiribati, took to Twitter to say: “I simply cannot imagine any scenario in which walking on the backs of children is acceptable behaviour by an ambassador of any country (or any adult for that matter!)”

But many in Kiribati said the practice is customary and that the image featuring China’s ambassador Tang Songgen had been taken out of context.

“The Marakei people can welcome dignitaries any way they like, it’s well known they follow many of the customs of their land,” said Katerina Teaiwa, an associate professor at the Australian National University’s College of Asia and the Pacific, whose father is from Kiribati.

“Everyone should be less hysterical about this and more respectful towards the diversity of Pacific ways, islands should have cultural self-determination … Marakei was probably trying something extra customary to show honour and hospitality.”

Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau pictured with Chinese President Xi Jinping in January. Photo: Reuters

The episode has shown how closely Beijing’s growing ties with Pacific island nations are being scrutinised as the US and China are locked in a bitter competition for influence in the region – comprising 22 states and territories and the world’s largest expanse of ocean encompassing critical sea and air lines of communication.

Chinese diplomat pictured walking on locals’ backs highlights Pacific power struggle

Kiribati locals say the practice is a customary welcome for dignitaries and the photo of the Chinese ambassador has been taken out of context The episode casts a fresh spotlight on Beijing’s ties with the Pacific nation, which seeks funding for an ambitious and expensive island-raising project

Kiribati locals say the practice is a customary welcome for dignitaries and the photo of the Chinese ambassador has been taken out of context

The episode casts a fresh spotlight on Beijing’s ties with the Pacific nation, which seeks funding for an ambitious and expensive island-raising project