Tuvalu’s new government yesterday reaffirmed that it would continue to formally recognize Taiwan, instead of switching its allegiance to China following a national election last month.
“The new government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the long-term and lasting special relationship between Tuvalu and the Republic of China, Taiwan,” said a government document posted on X by Tuvaluan Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation Simon Kofe.
The new government “intends to reassess options that would strengthen and lift it to a more durable, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationship,” said the document, titled “Statement of Priorities for the New Government of Tuvalu after the National General Elections on 26 January 2024.”
Photo: screen grab from Simon Kofe’s X account
Tuvalu, a Pacific Island nation of about 11,200 people, is one of Taiwan’s three remaining Pacific allies, after Nauru last month switched recognition to Beijing, which had promised more development assistance.
“Of particular interest to our partners in the region is the reaffirmation of our relations with Taiwan and our position on the Falepili Treaty with Australia,” Kofe wrote.
A former Tuvaluan minister for justice, communication and foreign affairs known for his Taiwan-friendly stance, Kofe was yesterday appointed to his new role by new Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo.
Kofe most recently visited Taiwan in May last year.
A former attorney general and fisheries official, Teo was elected on Monday, after a general election closely watched by Taiwan, China, the US and Australia, amid a geopolitical tussle for influence in the South Pacific.
After taking office, Teo met with Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin (林東亨), affirming that “the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Tuvalu is solid and that all sectors of Tuvalu share a long-standing consensus on supporting official bilateral relations,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“The two governments will continue to jointly promote substantive cooperation projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of both their peoples,” the statement quoted Teo as saying.
In Taipei, ministry spokesman Jeff Liu (劉永健) on Tuesday said that the government is expected to invite Teo to attend president-elect William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration ceremony on May 20.
There were concerns before Teo was appointed on Monday that Taiwan’s ties with Tuvalu could be in jeopardy.
Former Tuvaluan minister of finance Seve Paeniu, who was a contender for the country’s leadership, last month said that Tuvalu’s ties with Taiwan “need to be debated and reviewed in the new parliament.”
Tuvaluans wanted more financial support from the international community to help the island nation address climate change and other issues, Paeniu said.
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