By Katalina Siasau
A press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, 29 August, was reissued today to media outlets, after it removed its references to Taiwan and China.
The press release, titled “Tonga’s Turn: Leading the Pacific with Purpose,” lauded Tonga's role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
It highlighted Tonga's leadership journey during, "a year marked by geopolitical tension and climate urgency."
Specifically, under a sub-heading "Navigating Geopolitical Crosscurrents" the initial version of the press release stated that Taiwan’s status and Chinese influence were among the sensitive issues Tonga had dealt with.
“Navigating Geopolitical Crosscurrents
“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.”
The original paragraph, above, was edited and reissued today as follows:
Today, an email from the Prime Minister's Office instructed media to disregard the initial version of the press release and provided a revised version, from which the reference to Taiwan and China had been removed.
Matangi Tonga has attempted to contact the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet for comment without success.
2024 PIF Leader's communiqué
This incident is similar to last year's PIF Leaders Meeting (PIFLM), where the Pacific Forum censored Taiwan from leader's communiqué without issuing a statement on the reason.
The revised Press Release “Tonga’s Turn: Leading the Pacific with Purpose,” can be 
downloaded here.
