France in the 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.

The decision by Micronesian countries to leave the PIF will have major strategic implications.

With a wide range of activities and capabilities, France is making contributions to maritime security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Even as the two celebrate cultural ties, political and economic tensions remain in the foreground.

Can traditional regional powers find a place for a new, “odd” friend?

On November 4, New Caledonia said “yes” to France, but the island needs to take a long-term view of its regional engagement.

An interview with Alexandre Dayant on New Caledonia's independence referendum and the future of France in the Pacific.