TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tuvalu will review its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan following its election on Friday (Jan. 26), according to the Pacific nation's Finance Minister Seve Paeniu.
The bilateral relationship with Taiwan and the security and migration pact with Australia has raised concerns among some parliamentarians, and "the new parliament will need to debate and scrutinize this," Paeniu said, according to the report from Reuters.
"The issue of Taiwan and China remains a topic for any government to consider, particularly following the elections," he said in a statement to Reuters, "There is no doubt that this matter will again be the focal point of discussions after the election, and the new government will need to take a position."
His remarks mark the first time a Tuvaluan official has indicated that the nation might abandon its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which have been in place since 1979, and switch allegiance to Beijing.
"It depends on which partner country can respond and support the realization of Tuvalu's developmental priorities and expectations," said Paeniu.
Tuvalu has no party system, divided into eight constituencies, each electing two parliament members.
