Kiribati president secures 3rd term as China, US vie for Pacific leverage

FILE - Kiribati President Taneti Maamau addresses the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 22, 2022, in New York. Maamau won his third term in office on Oct. 26, 2024.

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, who has led the Pacific Island nation to build closer ties with China in recent years, secured his third term in office on Saturday. He defeated two other candidates in an election closely monitored by countries around the world.