Taiwan Risks Losing Another Pacific Ally After Tuvalu Election
- Former Tuvalu leader loses his seat in elections held Friday
- Tuvalu is one of just three Pacific nations recognizing Taiwan
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Taiwan’s ties with the Pacific nation of Tuvalu have been cast into doubt following an election in which the incumbent prime minister lost his seat in Parliament, raising the risk of another country switching its diplomatic recognition to Beijing.
Tuvalu leader Kausea Natano didn’t win enough votes to hold onto his electorate in Friday’s ballot, resulting in the loss of a key Pacific supporter of Taiwan. His departure may also threaten a major security agreement between Australia and Tuvalu that was signed late last year.