Tuvalu National Election: China and US Compete for Influence in Climate-Threatened Pacific Nation
The recent national election in the small Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has garnered significant attention from global powers such as China, Taiwan, the United States, and Australia. With only a little over 6,000 registered voters in a population of about 11,200 people, the outcome of this election holds immense significance for the region. As the world watches, the results are expected to be announced later today.
Tuvalu, consisting of nine islands, has been at the forefront of advocating for greater action on climate change at international conferences. The country faces the imminent threat of rising sea levels, with its capital, Funafuti, at risk of being inundated by tides by 2050. According to the United Nations Development Programme, most of Tuvalu is projected to be flooded by high tides by 2100. In response to this crisis, Tuvalu has been working closely with international organizations to strengthen its coastline.
The election in Tuvalu has become a battleground for influence between China and the United States. Both nations have been vying for control in the Pacific region, and Tuvalu has found itself courted by both sides. Recently, the United States pledged to connect Tuvalu’s remote population to global telecommunications through an undersea cable, marking a significant step towards strengthening ties. Meanwhile, China has been actively seeking to expand its influence in the Pacific and has gained an upper hand with Nauru severing ties with Taiwan and resuming diplomatic relations with China.
Taiwan, one of Tuvalu’s three remaining Pacific allies, has accused China of attempting to influence the election and “seize our diplomatic allies.” China considers Taiwan as its own territory and rejects its entitlement to diplomatic ties. On the other hand, Taiwan firmly rejects China’s sovereignty claim. The contenders for Tuvalu’s leadership have all emphasized the need for climate change action on the global stage. However, they differ in their approaches to ties with Taiwan, a diplomatic ally since 1979.
Seve Paeniu, Tuvalu’s Finance Minister and one of the newly elected lawmakers, expects the issue of Taiwan ties to be reviewed after the election. The new government will have to decide whether Taiwan or China can best address Tuvalu’s development needs. Prime Minister Kausea Natano has expressed his continued support for relations with Taiwan, while Enele Sopoaga, the former prime minister, and Simon Kofe, the former Foreign Minister, have previously pledged their support for Taiwan.
The election process in Tuvalu is unique, with no political parties. Two lawmakers are chosen by voters in each of the eight island electorates. After the votes are counted, government boats transport the newly elected lawmakers from the islands to Funafuti, a journey that can take up to 27 hours. It is during this process that the prime minister is chosen by the newly elected lawmakers. Natano and Kofe are both running for the Funafuti seat, adding further intrigue to the election.
Tuvalu’s relationship with Australia has also come into focus. In November, Tuvalu signed a security and migration agreement with Australia, allowing Canberra to vet security ties. While some aspects of the agreement have been met with resistance from former Prime Minister Sopoaga, Kofe believes that certain revisions should be made.
As the results of the Tuvalu national election are eagerly awaited, the world holds its breath to see which direction this climate-threatened Pacific nation will take. The outcome will not only shape Tuvalu’s future but also have broader implications for the ongoing power struggle between China and the United States in the Pacific region.