Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited the three Pacific allies in the South Pacific on December 4, landing in Tuvalu and being hosted at a state banquet by Prime Minister Feleti Teo. Tsai expressed hopes for deepening friendship between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Teo reiterated that the two sides will inevitably establish a closer relationship in the future. Tsai’s delegation later arrived in Guam for a transit on the same day.
The “Prospering Southern Islands, Sustainable Wisdom” journey of President Tsai’s visit to the three friendly countries in the South Pacific started with a speech in the Parliament of the Marshall Islands alongside President Hilda Heine and Speaker Brenson Wase on December 3, followed by attending a state banquet hosted by Heine. On December 4, Tsai flew to Funafuti International Airport in Tuvalu, where they were welcomed by Governor Tofiga Vaevalu Falani and Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo with a traditional ceremony, attended by Tuvalu’s cabinet members and officials from various ministries.
During his address, Tsai expressed his delight in visiting Tuvalu and thanked the government and parliament for their warm reception. He conveyed warm greetings from the people of Taiwan and expressed hope for strengthening emotional ties, enhancing cooperation, and benefiting both countries’ citizens. Tsai mentioned the visits of Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Teo and Parliamentary Speaker Italeli to Taiwan this year, showcasing the deep friendship between the two countries. He also expressed anticipation for Taiwan and Tuvalu to broaden their partnership in various areas and continue deepening their bond.
According to the Central News Agency, President Tsai Ing-wen was treated to a state banquet by Prime Minister Feleti Teo, who presented a model of the modern parliament building in Tuvalu, supported by Taiwan, to President Tsai. The two sides signed a “Joint Communique on Deepening Close Cooperative Partnership between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu” and witnessed the signing of the “Cooperation Intent Agreement for the Central Pacific Cable (CPC) between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Tuvalu” by the two countries’ foreign ministers.
Addressing the gathering, Tsai highlighted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The signing of the “Joint Communique on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership” has marked the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation between Taiwan and Tuvalu. The continued efforts to advance the undersea cable project in Tuvalu and coastal protection initiatives were also emphasized.
Tuvalu, a nation in the South Pacific comprising nine low-lying coral atolls, with a total population of 11,000, is facing the threat of half of its land being submerged by rising sea levels by 2050.
Tsai noted the collaborative efforts of Taiwan, the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Tuvalu in building the Central Pacific Cable (CPC) connecting Tuvalu, aimed at improving external communication quality for Tuvalu. The cable, named in Tuvaluan language symbolizing “connection and progress,” signifies the shared commitment to advancement between Taiwan and Tuvalu.
During Prime Minister Teo’s visit to Taiwan in May, he named two patrol boats gifted to Taiwan with names meaning “determination” and “abundant catch” in Tuvaluan, showcasing the strong bond of the two countries in safeguarding marine resources. Tsai expressed confidence in the continuous deepening of connections between Taiwan and Tuvalu, moving forward together.
“Construction on Tuvalu’s parliament building will commence in the first half of next year,” Tsai announced. The parliament symbolizes the highest court of public opinion, and Taiwan’s participation in this construction project signifies not only Taiwan’s support for the people of Tuvalu but also the shared democratic values between the two countries, working collectively towards deepening democracy.
Despite ongoing tensions with China, Tsai’s transit through Guam after Hawaii on December 4 was met with excitement and honor. Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam mentioned her excitement at meeting President Tsai, enhancing the warm welcome extended to him during his stay in Guam.
The Office of the President of Taiwan announced that President Tsai concluded his visit to Tuvalu on the afternoon of December 4, after about a five-hour flight, landing at Guam International Airport in the evening local time. Upon arrival, Ambassador Yu Jieh and Ingrid Larson, Executive Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), welcomed President Tsai.
Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and her husband Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Calvo, and Chief of Protocol Joseph Shinohara greeted President Tsai with flower garlands before the delegation proceeded to their hotel. Tsai received a warm welcome and greeted fellow Taiwanese citizens in attendance, fostering a lively and joyous atmosphere. President Tsai will visit the Republic of Palau on December 5, with the delegation scheduled to return to Taiwan on December 6.