In what seems to be a repeat of the censorship of the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) 2024 final communique, a statement from Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Aisake Valu Eke has had references to Taiwan and “Chinese influence” removed, and the document reissued.
On Aug. 29, Eke’s office issued a press statement headed “Tonga’s Turn: Leading the Pacific with Purpose,” and lauded Tonga’s role as this year’s Chair of the Forum during what it called “a year marked by geopolitical tension and climate urgency.”
Its opening paragraph, under a subheading titled “Navigating Geopolitical Crosscurrents,” read: “In an era of intensifying global competition, Tonga has demonstrated diplomatic finesse. Sensitive issues such as Taiwan’s status and Chinese influence were managed with transparency and tact, preserving unity among Forum members while upholding Pacific values. Tonga’s approach has reinforced the Pacific’s identity as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ even as external pressures mount.”
Then, on Sept. 2, an email from the Prime Minister’s Office instructed media to disregard that version of the press release and provided a revised version, from which the reference to Taiwan and China had been removed.
The incident is reminiscent of last year’s PIF meeting when an innocuous paragraph in the final leaders’ communique reaffirmed a decision, originally made in 1992, to welcome Taiwan as a “development partner” in the region. A similar reference had appeared in previous summaries of Forum meetings.
But the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) special envoy for the Pacific, Qian Bo, was seen in what appeared to be heated discussions with PIF leaders before telling reporters in Nuku’alofa that it was “a surprising mistake made by someone” and it “must be corrected.”
Shortly after, the statement disappeared from the Forum’s website and then reappeared several hours later with the paragraph mentioning Taiwan completely removed.
Beijing appears to be applying increased pressure to Pacific Island nations to not only switch recognition from Taiwan to communist China, as most have already done, but to reflect its One China Policy by eliminating all references to the island nation.
With many countries in the region beholden to the CCP for development grants and loans, and major projects being undertaken in the Pacific by Chinese-owned companies, it appears they are willing to comply.
The Tongan prime minister’s press release went on to say that “Tonga’s leadership [of the Forum] is a reminder that Pacific solutions must be led by Pacific voices.”
His office has been contacted for comment.
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