The swearing-in ceremony for Teo and his Cabinet will be held later this week. Teo has a long experience in public service and regional affairs, having served as the secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2014 to 2016.
Teo succeeds Kausea Natano, who lost his seat in the parliament in the general election held on Jan. 26. Natano and three of his eight ministers were not reelected, reflecting the public dissatisfaction with the previous government’s performance.
Tuvalu faces diplomatic dilemma over Taiwan and China
One of the major issues that Teo will have to deal with is the diplomatic relationship between Tuvalu and Taiwan. Tuvalu is one of the 12 countries that still recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, despite China’s claim that the island is part of its territory.
Natano had maintained a strong pro-Taiwan stance, rejecting China’s offers of aid and investment. He also visited Taiwan in 2019 and met with President Tsai Ing-wen, who thanked him for Tuvalu’s support.
However, some of the former ministers in Natano’s government had advocated for a review of Tuvalu’s ties with both Beijing and Taipei. Seve Paeniu, the former finance minister who was seen as a potential leadership contender, had argued that Tuvalu should explore the benefits and costs of switching allegiance to China.
It is not clear what Teo’s position on this issue is, but he will likely face pressure from both sides to either maintain or change Tuvalu’s diplomatic stance. China has been increasing its influence and presence in the Pacific region, offering loans, grants, and infrastructure projects to several island nations. Taiwan, on the other hand, has been trying to retain its allies and counter China’s assertiveness.
Tuvalu also confronts climate change and security threats
Another challenge that Teo will have to address is the impact of climate change on Tuvalu’s survival and security. Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of global warming, as it consists of low-lying atolls that are threatened by rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.
Tuvalu has been a vocal advocate for stronger action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financial and technical assistance to the small island developing states. Teo will have to continue this advocacy and seek international support for Tuvalu’s adaptation and resilience measures.
In addition, Teo will have to consider the implications of a proposed security treaty between Tuvalu and Australia, which was announced in November last year. The treaty commits Australia to help Tuvalu in response to major natural disasters, pandemics, and military aggression. Australia also offered Tuvalu a lifeline to help residents escape the rising seas and increased storms brought by climate change. Australia would initially allow up to 280 Tuvaluans to come to Australia each year.
However, the treaty also gives Australia veto power over any security or defense-related agreement Tuvalu wants to make with any other country, including China. This could limit Tuvalu’s sovereignty and autonomy in its foreign policy decisions. Enele Sopoaga, who was prime minister until the 2019 election, opposes the treaty and has called it a “trap” for Tuvalu.
Teo will have to weigh the pros and cons of the treaty and decide whether to ratify it or renegotiate it with Australia. He will also have to balance the interests and expectations of Tuvalu’s people, who are facing an uncertain future due to the multiple challenges they face.
