His government announced the Kiribati Vision for 20 Years (KV20), which plans to develop the tourism and fishing industries with aid from foreign investors.

Maamau's government stopped recognizing Taiwan in favour of closer ties with China, drawing concern from within his own party, the opposition and Western countries.

In 2022, Maamau's government was widely criticized for causing a constitutional crisis by suspending all superior court judges.

[6] In a legislative session in April, the government announced policy changes which extended free education to year 12.

It established a committee to investigate corruption and abuse of power and gave a $1 million grant to the two major Christian churches.

[7] Despite lack of sanitation, employment, and the rising cost of living in the capital of South Tarawa, many I-Kiribati from the outer islands migrate there.

[6][7] Anote Tong's administration held the position that relocation was probably inevitable, due to climate change and rising sea levels.

Rytz also claimed that the government was deporting all foreign journalists following the Butiraoi ferry disaster, and was cracking down on media freedom.

[15] Maamau allegedly said Taiwan repeatedly ignored his requests to contribute to KV20, including by buying Kiribati a $30 million Brazilian airliner.

In March, Taiwanese Tsai Ing-wen failed to visit Kiribati while on an official tour of the region, which the government viewed as a snub.

[16] The switch was criticized by the first president, Ieremia Tabai, and other opposition members, who organized pro-Taiwan protests in Tarawa.

He sought support from allies such as China for the projects, which he said would require billions of dollars, but said that he would maintain Kiribati's independence and not take out large loans from other countries.

[9][20] Tong bought land in Fiji, which he stated I-Kiribati people could be moved to if rising sea levels rendered islands uninhabitable.

In February 2021, Maamau announced plans to develop it into a commercial farm, with China providing "technical assistance".

[23] In October 2020, Maamau and four other Micronesian leaders threatened to withdraw their countries from the Pacific Islands Forum, which they felt did not support their interests.

A Polynesian candidate had been elected Secretary-General instead of their preferred Micronesian nominee, which they felt breached a "gentleman's agreement" to cycle the position through the various regions.

[33] In March 2024, Reuters reported that Chinese police were working alongside I-Kiribati officers as part of China's plans to form security ties with the Pacific Islands.