France Warned of China's Influence in New Caledonia

New Caledonia's ongoing quest for greater autonomy from France is raising alarms about potential external threats, particularly from China. A recent report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute highlights that the territory's independence movement could inadvertently enhance China's strategic foothold in the South Pacific. The region has experienced significant unrest, particularly following France's controversial electoral reform attempts, which were perceived as undermining the independence movement. French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the archipelago aimed to stabilize the situation after months of turmoil. Despite three referenda in 2018, 2020, and 2021 where New Caledonia voted against independence, local resistance to French governance persists. Pro-independence activists have criticized France's actions as colonial tactics, especially following the transfer of several activists to mainland France for trial during the recent unrest. The report emphasizes that any transition to autonomy must address how New Caledonia would defend itself against external threats, particularly in light of China's growing influence. The French military presence in New Caledonia and French Polynesia remains a crucial aspect of France's strategy in the Indo-Pacific, which aligns with the interests of both China and Russia. Additionally, New Caledonia's economy, heavily reliant on nickel exports—vital for electric vehicle batteries—faces challenges as China has successfully increased its investment in the local nickel mining sector, despite French efforts to limit such involvement. The situation underscores the complex interplay of autonomy, security, and economic interests in the region.