Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Tuvalu on Wednesday (Dec 4), a Tuvalu official mentioned, reinforcing ties with the distant Pacific Island nation on the frontline of climate change.
“Taiwan’s President and his delegation arrived this morning in Tuvalu,” a Tuvalu authorities official instructed Reuters.
Lai flew in on a non-public jet from the Marshall Islands and can keep in Tuvalu for the day earlier than leaving for Guam, as a part of a Pacific tour of allies.
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo reaffirmed ties with Taiwan after he was elected in February, and travelled to Taipei to fulfill with Lai for Taiwan’s nationwide day celebrations in October.
With a inhabitants of 11,000 scattered throughout 9 low-lying atolls, and predictions half of its essential city can be submerged by rising tides by 2050, Tuvalu is reliant on donor companions together with Taiwan to fortify its coast. It will likely be linked to worldwide telecommunications by a subsea cable for the primary time in a joint venture backed by Taiwan, Australia, the USA and Japan.
Tuvalu’s nationwide election was carefully watched by China, amid a tussle for affect within the Pacific area, and after a management candidate mentioned Taiwan ties could be reviewed.
China, which views Taiwan as its personal territory and opposes any overseas interactions or visits by the island’s leaders, has been stepping up navy strain in opposition to Taiwan, together with two rounds of warfare video games this 12 months.
Lai will cease over in Guam for one evening after which go to Palau.
