Tongan Prime Minister Drops Reference to China, Taiwan in Press Statement

Tongan Prime Minister Drops Reference to China, Taiwan in Press Statement

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 m…