Tuvalu is one in every of solely 12 remaining diplomatic allies of Taipei amid rising US-China rivalry within the Pacific.
Tuvalu’s pro-Taiwan chief has misplaced his seat in carefully watched elections within the tiny Pacific island nation.
Prime Minister Kausea Natano did not return to his seat on the principle atoll of Funafuti, election outcomes confirmed on Saturday, dealing a possible blow to Taipei’s efforts to carry onto its dwindling variety of diplomatic allies.
Tuvalu, house to only 11,200 folks, is one in every of solely 12 states that formally recognise Taiwan, and Natano had pledged to keep up ties with the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory.
Taipei misplaced one in every of 4 remaining Pacific Islands allies final month after Nauru switched recognition to Beijing, following switches by Solomon Islands and Kiribati in 2019.
China refuses to recognise international locations which have formal relations with Taiwan, which it has pledged to “reunify” with the Chinese language mainland by power if needed.
Natano’s rival, Seve Paeniu, who was returned to his seat, stated he would search the assist of lawmakers to develop into prime minister after pledging in the course of the election marketing campaign to assessment the nation’s ties with Taipei.
Lawmakers are anticipated to satisfy subsequent week to vote for a brand new prime minister.
The election comes as small Pacific island nations comparable to Tuvalu are on the centre of a contest for regional affect between China and the US and its Western allies.
In November, Natano signed a far-reaching take care of Australia that offers Canberra a say in Tuvalu’s defence ties with different international locations in alternate for safety ensures and a pathway to residency in Australia for Tuvalu residents threatened by local weather change.
Enele Sopoaga, one other potential contender for the management who retained his seat, has argued the deal must be scrapped as a result of it infringes on Tuvalu’s sovereignty.
Australian International Minister Penny Wong on Saturday congratulated Tuvalu on the “successful election”.
“We look forward to working with the new Government,” Wong stated.
“Australia and Tuvalu are longstanding friends, sharing an interest in building a stronger, more resilient and more peaceful Pacific.”