Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo, attending the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) in Tokyo, stated in an interview with Japanese media on the 16th that during his tenure, Tuvalu will maintain diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and will not establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Teo, interviewed by Asahi Shimbun in Tokyo on the 16th, expressed that he has no intention of altering the diplomatic relations with Taiwan during his term.
Despite several Pacific Island nations severing ties with Taiwan in favor of establishing relations with the PRC, with Chinese assistance, Teo emphasized the importance of maintaining ties with Taiwan.
Tuvalu is one of the three countries in the Pacific region that still maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Following the defeat of the pro-Taiwan former Prime Minister Kausea Natano in January’s elections, Teo assumed office as Prime Minister in February, attracting significant attention to his stance on foreign relations.
Teo is currently in Japan to participate in the three-day Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting taking place in Tokyo from the 16th. Following a speech at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, he underwent an interview with Asahi Shimbun.
During the interview, Teo noted that over the past 45 years since Tuvalu gained independence, they have always maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Given this historical connection, there is no reason to switch allegiance and establish relations with the PRC.
Last year, due to the impact of rising sea levels, Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union agreement with Australia to safeguard against the effects of climate change. Under the agreement, a set number of Tuvaluan citizens annually receive special visas to live, work, and study in Australia.
Additionally, the two countries agreed that Australia would provide security assurance for Tuvalu, although Tuvalu cannot enter into defense agreements with other nations without Australia’s approval.
As reported, within the Pacific Island nations, Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan in 2019, Kiribati followed suit, and in January 2024, Nauru shifted alliances from Taiwan to the PRC. China has been strengthening its influence by signing security agreements with Solomon Islands. In response to this situation, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan are collaborating to enhance support for laying underwater cables in Tuvalu.
Today, Nikkei reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held bilateral meetings with leaders from five countries attending the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo.
Regarding the diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Prime Minister Teo of Tuvalu, Kishida stated that Japan would provide equipment to enhance Tuvalu’s cybersecurity capabilities. Kishida emphasized the importance of strengthening bonds between Japan and the Pacific Islands and expressed hope that this opportunity will demonstrate a united direction for domestic and international cooperation.
(This article was adapted from Central News Agency)