Tuvalu maintains an independent but generally pro-Western foreign policy. It maintains close relations with Fiji and Australia. It has diplomatic relations with the Republic of China instead of the People's Republic of China; Taipei maintains the only resident embassy in Tuvalu and has a large assistance program in the islands. No U.S. diplomats are resident in Tuvalu, but U.S. diplomats based in Fiji also are accredited to Tuvalu and visit there regularly.

Tuvalu became a member of United Nations in 2000 and maintains a mission at the UN in New York. Tuvalu's only other diplomatic office is its High Commission in Suva, Fiji. Tuvalu is an active member of the Pacific Islands Forum. It also is a member of the Asian Development Bank.

A major international priority for Tuvalu in the UN, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and in other international fora is promoting concern about global warming and possible sea level rise. Tuvalu advocates ratification and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. Tuvalu also takes an interest in the Republic of Nauru because of about 300 Tuvaluans working there. Many are allegedly owed substantial back wages.