An image of the Chinese ambassador’s visit  to Kiribati, walking on the backs of people during a welcome ceremony on the island of Marakei, in the Kiribati has been the topic of public debate on social and world media.

Dr. Katerina Teaiwa is an Associate Professor in Pacific Studies in the School of Culture, History and Language at the Australian National University in Canberra Australia.  She is also a very proud i-Kiribati and will be able to give context to the welcome ceremony and its cultural significance.