Christina
Persico RNZ Pacific Senior bulletin
editor
Tuvalu’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulson
Panapa has met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te this
week.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office released
a translation of his remarks in which he said Taiwan and
Tuvalu were “like brothers”.
“This Saturday will mark
the 47th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and
Tuvalu,” he said.
“At present, Taiwan is implementing
pioneer projects on outer islands like Vaitupu focusing on
milkfish aquaculture, increased production of fruits and
vegetables, and balanced nutrition and diet.
“Through
our collaboration, we aspire to advance balanced development
across Tuvalu’s outer islands and create a better living
environment for the next generation.”
He also thanked
the Tuvalu government for “consistently speaking up for
Taiwan at international venues and supporting our
international participation”.
Most countries do not
recognise Taiwan as separate from China.
China claims
Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taipei rejects
Beijing’s sovereignty claim, saying only the island’s people
can decide their future.
In his speech, as reported by
Taiwan Presidential Office, Panapa said the partnership
between the two countries is very visible in the lives of
Tuvaluan families.
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He said Taiwan’s support has helped
Tuvalu build resilience against climate change, improve
health and education, and expand digital
connectivity.
Panapa also said Tuvalu would continue
to speak in support of Taiwan’s rightful place in the
international community.
Taiwan maintains diplomatic
ties with Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands in the
Pacific, as well as nine other nations: Eswatini, Vatican
City, Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, St Kitts and
Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent & the
Grenadines.
Naoero, formerly Nauru, switched its
diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in
2024.
In July, Papua
New Guinea announced the closure of Taiwan’s representative
office in Port Moresby.
At the Pacific Islands
Forum Leaders’ meeting in Palau, New Zealand Foreign
Minister Winston Peters said there were long-standing
protocols that give Taiwan observer status at the Forum.
He noted that Taiwan’s status would change when Aotearoa
hosts the annual leaders’ summit next year.
New
Zealand – and most of the Pacific – adheres to the One China
policy, which means it does not have formal diplomatic
relations with Taiwan.
This means that Taipei’s
foreign minister would not be invited to the Forum, instead
representation at a lower level would be
likely.
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