The tiny South Pacific nation of Tuvalu has rejected offers from Chinese firms t
o build artificial islands that would help it deal with rising sea levels, its f
oreign minister says.
Simon Kofe told Reuters he saw the offers as an attempt to reduce Taiwan's influ
ence in the region.
But he instead reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan.
China has increased efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific, alarming the
United States and its allies.
Only 15 countries recognise Taiwan as a sovereign nation and have full diplomati
c relations. A number of countries have switched their allegiance from Taiwan to
China in recent years.
China refuses to have diplomatic relations with any country that recognises Taiw
an.
In recent months Taiwan lost two allies in the region, when Kiribati and the Sol
omon Islands switched diplomatic recognition to China. Beijing has been accused
of luring them in with the promise of financial aid and airplanes.
Mr Kofe expressed his backing for Taiwan and said his nation was setting up a gr
oup to unite Taiwan's four remaining Pacific allies - the Marshall Islands, Pala
u, Nauru and Tuvalu.
"We believe in the power of grouping together and collaborating," he told Reuter
s news agency.
"Together with our partners, we will be able to counter the influence from mainl
and China."
Tuvalu country profile
Taiwan loses another ally as Kiribati cuts ties
What's behind the China-Taiwan divide?
Mr Kofe said Chinese companies had approached local communities offering to help
with a $400m (￡310m) government plan to build artificial islands. He believes
the companies were backed by the Chinese government.
"We are hearing a lot of information about debt," he said. "China buying our isl
ands and looking at setting up military bases in our part of the world. Those ar
e things that are concerning to us."
Beijing has proposed Taiwan operate under a "one country, two systems" structure
, similar to Hong Kong.
Since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, seven countries have dr
opped Taiwan as a diplomatic ally. The support from Tuvalu could help her as she
seeks re-election in January.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50501747?SThisFB
人家都快被淹没了还不离不弃…
我猜等等又有酸民来酸澳纽住民证get
然后9.2要来酸国家机器了