Australia takes over Tuvalu

Colonisation in new Canberra treaty

For 45 years Tuvalu has been an independent Polynesian nation. This week it became an Australian colony, rewarded with visa baubles in exchange for agreeing to be controlled by Canberra. Using the Pacific Forum, once a great symbol of regional sovereignty and independence, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stabbed his flag into Tuvalu’s 11,204 people, rendering them subjects of Canberra.

The ‘Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty’ is a ploy to keep China out of Tuvalu; Tuvaluans must not lose their freedom to Beijing, just Canberra. 

Why Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano gave away his nation’s sovereignty in Rarotonga is not clear. Perhaps, after reading the opening line, ‘resolute in reaffirming the parties’ sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence,’ he failed to go on to the terms and conditions. The key part of the treaty is the security and stability section and how Australia will provide military assistance in disasters, health emergencies or ‘military aggression against Tuvalu.’ And for the record, Tuvalu was in World War Two extensively bombed by Japan)

A Tuvalu family takes shelter as Japanese bombers approach. Photo US Navy