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Why are China and Taiwan fighting in Tuvalu?
Tuvalu is one of only 12 remaining diplomatic allies of Taipei amid growing US-China rivalry in the Pacific.
A man votes on the day of the general elections, in Funafuti, Tuvalu January 26, 2024. Tuvalu Election Office/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
The leader in Tuvalu who supports Taiwan has lost his position in the closely observed elections in the small Pacific island nation.
The election results on Saturday revealed that Prime Minister Kausea Natano was unsuccessful in reclaiming his seat on the main atoll of Funafuti. This outcome poses a potential setback for Taipei’s attempts to retain its diminishing number of diplomatic allies. Tuvalu, with a population of just 11,200, is one of the twelve states officially recognizing Taiwan. Natano had committed to maintaining ties with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing asserts as part of its territory.
Last month, Taipei lost one of its four remaining Pacific Island allies when Nauru shifted its recognition to Beijing, following similar moves by Solomon Islands and Kiribati in 2019. China is now trying to also dissuade Tuvalu in reverting its Taiwan’s recognition.
China does not acknowledge countries with formal relations with Taiwan, vowing to achieve reunification with the Chinese mainland, even by force if necessary.
Natano’s opponent, Seve Paeniu, who successfully retained his seat, expressed his intention to garner lawmaker support for becoming prime minister. During the election campaign, Paeniu had promised to review the country’s ties with Taipei.
Lawmakers are expected to convene next week to vote for a new prime minister. These elections occur amid a backdrop where small Pacific island nations, like Tuvalu, find themselves at the center of a rivalry for regional influence between China and the United States along with its Western allies.
In November, Natano entered into an extensive agreement with Australia, granting Canberra influence over Tuvalu’s defence connections with other nations. This arrangement, in return, provides security assurances and a pathway to residency in Australia for Tuvalu citizens facing threats from climate change.
Enele Sopoaga, another potential contender for leadership who maintained his seat, declared that the deal should be abandoned, asserting that it encroaches upon Tuvalu’s sovereignty.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong extended congratulations to Tuvalu on the “successful election”. Wong expressed anticipation for collaboration with the new government, highlighting the longstanding friendship between Australia and Tuvalu and their shared interest in fostering a stronger and peaceful Pacific.
