The former president of Kiribati is calling on the government to disclose how much aid it has received from Taiwan.
Teburoro Tito says the government's dependence on Taiwan's support is growing and parliament should be informed if Taiwan's aid has increased.
Mr Tito says in 2011, Taiwan gave the government about 100,000 US dollars but he was surprised to learn that the figure rose to half a million dollars last year.
He says Taiwan is struggling to gain recognition at the United Nations, and its generosity should be treated with a high degree of caution because it may expect a favour from Kiribati in return.
Mr Tito says parliament was told Taiwan gave Kiribati a cheque which was deposited in the development account for projects in the country but says it is unknown how the money has been spent.
