Taiwan donates patrol boats to Tuvalu strenghtening its alliance against China.

According to information published by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan on May 22, 2024, a ceremony was held in Pingtung, Taiwan, to mark the naming and handover of two multifunctional patrol boats donated to Tuvalu.
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Ceremony for the donation of Taiwanese two patrol boats to Tuvalu. (Picture source: Taiwanese MFA)

During the ceremony, Ambassador Lin Dong-heng, representing the Taiwanese government, officially handed over the two patrol boats to Prime Minister Teo. The two patrol boats were named in the Tuvaluan language as "Te Kaleva" and "Te Akiaki." Ambassador Lin emphasized that the donated patrol boats would significantly enhance Tuvalu's coastal patrol operations, enhancing its search and rescue capabilities.

To aid Tuvalu in protecting marine resources and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, Taiwan and Tuvalu signed a Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement in September last year. This was followed by the signing of a contract in July for the donation of the patrol boats.

Taiwan-Tuvalu relations

Tuvalu, one of the few countries maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has reaffirmed its commitment to this relationship under its new government led by Prime Minister Feleti Teo. This reaffirmation comes amidst increasing pressure from China, which has been actively seeking to persuade Taiwan's allies to switch allegiance.

The geopolitical context of this relationship is complex. China continues to exert influence in the Pacific region, attempting to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. For instance, Nauru recently switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands as Taiwan's remaining allies in the Pacific.