France in the Pacific

After months of violence, New Caledonia independence groups will turn to the PIF in hopes of buoying their case for self-determination from France.

The first step to resolving the New Caledonia crisis is for France to return to the resolve it demonstrated in the mid-1990s and drastically alter its course – fast. 

While the immediate unrest has paused, Kanaks say that sustainable peace is dependent on their grievances being addressed.

Violence flared on May 13 over the government’s attempt to change voting lists in the French Pacific territory, which Indigenous Kanaks say would marginalize their voices.

In terms of France’s broader Indo-Pacific engagement, the strategic implications of the New Caledonia uprising are profound both for Paris and its Western-aligned allies.

New Delhi and Paris have a lot in common in terms of their strategic perspectives on a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

With Macron's visit to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, he has a chance to address France's shaken legitimacy in the Pacific.

France “intends to pursue a cooperative and inclusive approach that respects the sovereignty of all, without following a logic of blocs.”

Increased French-U.S. cooperation in the region should be welcome news to Pacific Island states.

One year on, the announcement of the Australia-U.K.-U.S alliance has not been accompanied by any major changes to France’s Indo-Pacific defense strategy.

Pro-independence groups boycotted the vote, COVID-19 further limited participation in the third referendum on the question of independence from France.