Climate-threatened Tuvalu holds election closely watched by China and Taiwan

CNN —

Voting began on Friday in the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu in a national election that is being closely watched by China, Taiwan, the United States and its ally Australia, amid a tussle for influence in the region.

Tuvalu, with a population of about 11,200 spread across nine islands, has campaigned at international conferences for greater action to help low-lying nations address climate change, because science shows its capital Funafuti risks being inundated by tides by 2050.

Most of Tuvalu is forecast to be flooded by high tides by 2100, says the United Nations Development Programme, which is working with Tuvalu to bolster its coastline.

A contest for influence in the Pacific between China and the United States has seen Tuvalu courted, with Washington recently pledging to connect its remote population by undersea cable to global telecommunications for the first time.

Tuvalu's Minister recorded a COP 26 message in knee-deep seawater to highlight the real-life impact of climate change in their country.

Related article Tuvalu minister stands knee-deep in the sea to film COP26 speech to show climate change

Tuvalu is one of three remaining Pacific allies of Taiwan, after Nauru cut ties this month and switched to Beijing, which pledged more development support.

Taiwan on Thursday said China was trying to influence the Tuvalu election and “seize our diplomatic allies.” China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and not entitled to diplomatic ties. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claim.

Contenders for Tuvalu’s leadership have all advocated for climate change action on the world stage, but differ in