Tuvalu defies China pressure, PM Teo hails ‘special’ ties with Taiwan on Taipei visit

As geopolitical competition between China and the United States deepens in the Pacific, Tuvalu’s prime minister reaffirmed his nation’s “special relationship” with Taiwan during a visit to Taipei on Tuesday. Tuvalu is one of just 12 countries, including three Pacific island states, that still maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. China has recently stepped up pressure on Taipei’s remaining allies to shift their recognition to Beijing.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, speaking at a welcome ceremony alongside Taiwan President Lai Ching-te outside the presidential office, said he had always been deeply impressed by the warmth of the reception he receives in Taiwan. “Tuvalu indeed treasures its special relationship with Taiwan, a relationship that is built on shared democratic values, mutual trust and unwavering cooperation,” he said. Teo added that the partnership had “stood the test of time” and remained “durable and sustainable for over the past 46 years.”

More from World

China–Japan rift widens as Beijing sends coast guard patrol into disputed Senkaku waters US approves $330 million military sale to Taiwan, first under the Trump administration

Tuvalu has announced that it will sign its first treaty with Taiwan during the visit. The agreement forms part of its diplomatic effort to secure formal international recognition of its perpetual statehood, including rights to lucrative fishing grounds, even as rising sea levels threaten to submerge large parts of its territory.

Taiwan emphasises strong friendship as climate threats rise

Tuvalu’s most recent national election was closely monitored by China after one leadership candidate suggested a review of ties with Taiwan. Addressing the ceremony, President Lai said the visit reflected the strong friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to diplomatic cooperation. “I am confident that through Prime Minister Teo’s visit, the partnership between our two countries will be further advanced. Together, we will face the challenges posed by geopolitics and climate change,” he said.

Lai travelled to Tuvalu last December as part of a tour of Taiwan’s Pacific allies, including Palau and the Marshall Islands. Soon after Lai’s election victory last year, Nauru shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. China maintains that Taiwan is one of its provinces without the right to state-to-state relations, a claim Taiwan’s government firmly disputes.

Quick Reads

View All

Sheikh Hasina's Frankenstein: Bangladesh's tribunal that turned on its creator

Royal welcome, then a royal denial… Takeaways from Trump’s meeting with Saudi’s MBS

With a population of 11,000 spread across nine low-lying atolls and forecasts suggesting half of its main town could be underwater by 2050, Tuvalu relies on international partners, including Taiwan, for coastal protection. Taiwan has also contributed funding, alongside Australia, the United States and Japan, to connect Tuvalu to international telecommunications through a subsea cable.

Rising China–Taiwan tensions fuel regional diplomatic friction

China maintains that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Taipei, in turn, accuses Beijing of engaging in espionage and infiltration aimed at undermining its defences.
This long-running tension has spilt over into regional diplomacy, most recently triggering a sharp dispute between China and Japan. The feud erupted after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked. Beijing reacted angrily to her remarks, prompting Japan to warn its citizens in China to stay alert and avoid large crowds.
The diplomatic spat has led China to advise its own citizens against travelling to Japan and has rattled Tokyo’s markets.