Sydney: Australia and Tuvalu said on Thursday they had agreed to sign a climate and security pact this year, after resolving a dispute over the Pacific island’s sovereignty.
The 11-page deal was seen as a historic response to climate change when it was signed in November 2023, offering the right for 11,000 Tuvaluans to live in Australia as their fragile homeland faces rising sea levels.
The agreement also mandates the protection of the Australian Canvas against natural disasters, health pandemics, and “military invasions”, but only if assistance is requested.
It comes amid concerns among Western allies about China’s security ties with Pacific island nations.
But Tuvalu’s government has expressed concern over a clause that says it must “mutually agree” with Australia on security or defense agreements with other countries.
Despite those concerns, Prime Minister Feliti Teo told AFP after taking office in February that she had no intention of canceling the deal.
In the Memorandum of Understanding, the two parties agreed that the clause reflects the depth of Australia’s security guarantees and will be “implemented on the basis of mutual respect and understanding”.
The non-legally binding diplomatic note said “Tuvalu does not need Australia’s consent before talking to other partners.”
“Australia has no qualifications to enter Tuvalu’s territory or airspace, or to establish a military zone in Tuvalu,” he said.
The memorandum stated that the defense and security provisions would apply only in “narrow circumstances” and would not affect agreements with other Pacific island nations.
If both parties consider the claim “unreasonable”, they can suspend the obligations of the clause or terminate the contract by mutual agreement or unilaterally.
They also agreed that the agreement would not limit Tuvalu’s freedom to enter into diplomatic relations with other countries.
Tuvalu is one of 12 states that have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, not Beijing.
The memorandum was signed during a visit to the island nation by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy.
“Australia and Tuvalu are neighbors and friends. Australia’s support will help Tuvaluans to live and thrive in their region while maintaining deep ancestral ties with land and sea,” he said.
“We will continue to listen and deliver on the priorities of the people of Tuvalu to ensure their long-term prosperity.”
Tuvalu and Australia have said they will submit to parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation before the agreement comes into force.
