Kiribati’s local politics has also been stirred up by the news. Its opposition leader Tessie Lambourne expressed to Reuters her worry over the project and wanted to know whether it is part of China’s mega Belt and Road Initiative. “The government hasn’t shared the cost and other details other than it’s a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the runway and bridge,” she said. “The opposition will be seeking more information from government in due course.” President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati (3rd-L) listens as Premier Li Keqiang of China (3rd-R) speaks during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People on January. 6, 2020 in Beijing, China. (Getty Images)