- Title: Tuvalu minister says both China, U.S. needed for climate change action
- Date: 25th August 2022
- Summary: FUNAFUTI, TUVALU (AUGUST 25, 2022) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) TUVALU JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, SIMON KOFE, SAYING: "So I think that the message has to go far and wide so that people have a greater appreciation for the challenges that we are facing because climate change is not just an issue for Tuvalu and countries like Tuvalu. But it is something that is effecting the world. It takes many forms in different places, I mean we are seeing flooding, bushfires, you know, things that are happening in different parts of the world. It's because of climate change. But we, I think Tuvalu is at the forefront of it, and I feel that we also have a moral responsibility as people at the frontline to forewarn the world that this is something that is coming upon all of us. That's also why we have this catchline that we usually use, that if you save Tuvalu, you’re saving the world, and the idea is that we need to do things now because by saving Tuvalu you are in fact securing the global community."
- Embargoed: 8th September 2022 04:25
- Keywords: China Pacific Simon Kofe Tuvalu United States climate change
- Location: FUNAFUTI, TUVALU
- City: FUNAFUTI, TUVALU
- Country: Tuvalu
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Climate Change,Environment,General News,Government / Politics,Climate Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA006050325082022RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Both the United States and China need to be on board to ensure peace and bring action on climate change, Tuvalu's foreign minister said on Thursday (August 25).
Simon Kofe told Reuters at a virtual Newsmaker event that Tuvalu was mindful when approaching geopolitics in the Pacific that China needs to be involved to address challenges facing his country and the broader region.
“If we are truly serious about world peace, and we're really serious about addressing climate change, then there really is no good guys and bad guys in how things are painted at the moment. We need China on board. We need the U.S. on board,†he said.
Still, Kofe said Tuvalu, one of four countries in the Pacific that has diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than China, believed Taiwan remained a very strong partner despite coming under pressure to switch its recognition to Beijing.
"We're not looking to do anything to China. In fact, we try to avoid them as much as possible. But when we are confronted by them ... we are not afraid to speak our minds and to make a stand," he said.
The Pacific region has become increasingly contested, with China's growing influence sparking pledges by the United States and its partners pledging to do more.
A recent security pact between China and the Solomon Islands has raised concerns about Beijing's ambitions to expand its military presence.
Kofe grabbed global attention for his nation of 12,000 people last year when he addressed a global climate conference standing ankle deep in the sea to illustrate Tuvalu was "sinking."
Forty percent of the capital district is underwater at high tide, and the tiny country is forecast to be submerged by the end of the century.
In June, Kofe pulled out of the U.N. ocean conference after China blocked Taiwanese nationals that were part of their delegation from attending.
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