Australia and Tuvalu have struck a new security deal after concerns were raised about a previous pact that gave Australia veto power over any agreement the tiny island nation made with a third country, such as China. The new memorandum of understanding addresses the sovereignty concerns of Tuvalu’s government, which was elected in January. The deal includes a security guarantee and commits Australia to help Tuvalu in response to natural disasters, pandemics, and military aggression. This agreement comes after Tuvalu’s previous leader signed a treaty with Australia last year that allowed for the resettlement of up to 280 Tuvaluans annually and gave Australia veto power over security or defense-related agreements with other countries.
The new agreement between Australia and Tuvalu has not made any substantive changes to the previous treaty announced last year. Meg Keen, director of the Pacific Island Program at the Lowy Institute, clarified that the provisions related to the veto power were not meant to impinge on Tuvalu’s sovereignty but rather to ensure effective responsiveness and coordination in times of crisis. Both parties have the option to withdraw from the agreement if they feel it is not being honored. The investment of over 110 million Australian dollars into Tuvalu’s priority projects, including funding towards creating the country’s first undersea telecommunications cable, was also announced by Australia.
The agreement between Australia and Tuvalu is part of a broader effort by the United States and its allies to counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific, particularly in the security domain. Campaign issues in Tuvalu’s January election included debates over whether the country should switch its diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing. However, Prime Minister Teo reaffirmed in a March interview that his government would maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.
The security deal between Australia and Tuvalu highlights the strategic interests of countries in the region as they navigate the complex geopolitics of the South Pacific. Australia’s investment in Tuvalu’s infrastructure projects underscores its commitment to supporting its Pacific neighbors and enhancing regional security cooperation. The agreement also reflects the ongoing competition between major powers like China and the United States for influence in the region, with smaller nations like Tuvalu caught in the middle. Moving forward, the implementation of the new security agreement will be closely monitored to ensure that it effectively balances the interests of both Australia and Tuvalu while safeguarding the sovereignty of the island nation.
