News Muncher - searching for ties

Tuvalu’s new government commits to continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of Beijing

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tuvalu’s new government on Wednesday committed the tiny South Pacific island nation to continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of switching to Beijing, but said it plans to renegotiate a security pact recently struck with Australia in response to China’s growing regional influence. Some candidates proposed scrapping a treaty, yet to be ratified, that would give Australia …

The pro-Taiwan leader of the Pacific islands nation of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano, has lost his parliamentary seat, according to partial results. Key points: Tuvalu’s Finance Minister Seve Paeniu has secured a seat in the new parliament Seve Paeniu says diplomatic ties with China and Taiwan should be reviewed Leadership contenders are split over their support for Australia's security and migration …

Elections in a small Pacific Island nation rarely make the headlines. A big part of the international attention is linked to the increasing importance of China in the region, and Tuvalu’s diplomatic ties to the government of Taiwan. Tuvalu’s low-lying atolls make it particularly vulnerable to global warming, and there are worries that rising sea levels and strengthening storms will …

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 …