On 18 September 2023, upon his arrival in Tarawa, the new Chinese Ambassador-designate Zhou Limin attended the traditional welcome ceremony held by the Kiribati side at the Eita Maneaba. The ceremony was attended by MFAI OIC Teata Terubea, officials from MIA, Unimwane and Unaine from the local community and Counsellor Zhao Jian from the Chinese Embassy.

Tebou Taubuki, Unimwane from the local community, welcomed the arrival of Ambassador-designate to Kiribati with local traditional ceremony (katoka bunna) and garland, and offered blessings to the Ambassador-designate and his spouse, wishing the Ambassador all the best in his tenure.

Ambassador-designate Zhou thanked the Kiribati side for the warm welcome and hospitality, and expressed his wonderful experience of finding the common ground between Chinese and Kiribati culture, which is to show respect and hospitality to your friends.

Ambassador-designate Zhou pointed out that friendship knows no boundaries. Over the past four years since the resumption of the diplomatic relationship, China and Kiribati have been good friends, partners, and brothers who respect each other and develop together.

Ambassador-designate Zhou emphasized that cooperation knows no boundaries. During his tenure, he will work with the Kiribati side to deepen the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and promote the prosperous development of relations between the two countries for the benefits of the two peoples.