Tuvalu promises to ‘stand firm’ with Taiwan amid Pacific rivalry | Politics News
The tiny nation is one of four in the Pacific that still maintains formal ties with Taiwan.The leader of the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has promised to “stand firm” on its ties with Taiwan, as China expands its influence in the region.
Speaking at a welcome ceremony in Taipei hosted by Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano said “decent and common values” had always been an added strength to their bond. Tuvalu has maintained diplomatic relations with Taipei for more than 40 years.
With a population of about 10,000, Tuvalu is one of 14 countries to retain full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that Beijing claims as its own, and one of four in the Pacific where China has been stepping up efforts to win support.
“Through tumultuous t...
