Tuvalu welcomes subsea cable but worries about possible China cyberattack

Japan to provide equipment to counter 'forthcoming' threat

20240718 Tuvalu Prime Minister Teo interview

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo tells Nikkei Asia on July 18 that he is aware that pressure from China is "forthcoming." (Photo by Takuya Fujisawa)

SOPHIE MAK, Nikkei staff writer

July 19, 2024 10:30 JST

TOKYO -- Tuvalu is concerned about "forthcoming" pressure from China on cybersecurity, Prime Minister Feleti Teo said Thursday, as the Pacific island nation looks to have a better internet connection with its first subsea cable in place next year.

Speaking to Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), Teo said he was "conscious" that pressure will "certainly be forthcoming." Tuvalu is one of three Pacific island nations that maintain ties with Taiwan.