Melbourne, Australia – Tuvalu, a small South Pacific nation, welcomed the appointment of former Attorney General Feleti Teo as the new prime minister following recent elections that led to the ousting of the previous government leader. Teo, the sole candidate put forward by his 15 lawmaker colleagues, was unanimously elected by Governor General Tofiga Vaevalu Falani without the need for a vote, according to a statement from government secretary Tufoua Panapa. The official swearing-in ceremony for Teo and his Cabinet is scheduled to take place later this week.
The implications of this new government on China’s influence in Tuvalu, a nation with a population of around 11,500 situated between Australia and Hawaii, remain uncertain. The outgoing prime minister, Kausea Natano, along with three of his eight ministers, did not secure reelection during the January 26th election. Natano had advocated for Tuvalu to maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a stance at odds with former Finance Minister Seve Paeniu, who proposed a reevaluation of Tuvalu’s relationships with both Beijing and Taiwan.
Under the new administration, changes may be made to a proposed security treaty between Tuvalu and Australia. The treaty, unveiled in November the previous year, commits Australia to providing assistance to Tuvalu in the event of major natural disasters, pandemics, or military threats. Additionally, Australia proposed allowing up to 280 Tuvaluans annually to relocate to Australia to escape the rising sea levels and intensifying storms brought about by climate change, which particularly impact Tuvalu’s low-lying atolls.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese acknowledged the treaty in his congratulations to Prime Minister Teo, emphasizing the importance of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. Prior to Teo’s appointment, experts like Meg Keen from the Sydney-based Lowy Institute anticipated a review of the treaty by the new government, foreseeing potential modifications. Despite rumors of a shift in allegiance towards Beijing, analysts like George Carter from Australian National University expressed confidence in Teo’s commitment to maintaining relations with Taiwan.
Teo’s supporters, eager to push forward with diplomatic priorities, have reportedly excluded former PM Sopoaga and ex-finance minister Paeniu from the new Cabinet lineup. This strategic move signals a potential continuation of the current diplomatic path but leaves room for future adjustments. As the political landscape in Tuvalu evolves, observers anticipate Teo to navigate carefully between the country’s existing foreign ties and emerging global dynamics.