French President Emmanuel Macron Raises Concerns of “New Imperialism” in the Pacific
French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the Pacific region, where he denounced a perceived “new imperialism” that threatens the sovereignty of smaller states. Macron specifically highlighted the power struggle between China and the United States in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Oceania, which he claims is endangering the independence of more vulnerable nations.
During his visit, Macron emphasized the importance of France as a counterbalance to the influence of China and the US in the region. He stressed the need to defend the independence and sovereignty of all states in the Pacific, including the smaller and more vulnerable ones. France, with its 1.6 million citizens in the Asia-Pacific across seven overseas territories and a vast exclusive economic zone spanning nine million square kilometers, sees itself as a key player in the region.
France aims to offer an alternative to China’s growing influence, showcasing plans for expanded aid and development programs focused on addressing natural disasters in the Pacific. Macron’s visit marks a significant milestone as it is the first by a sitting French president to independent countries in the region, rather than just French overseas territories.
It is crucial to note that France exercises sovereignty over New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna in the Pacific. Macron’s warnings come at a time when the United States and Papua New Guinea signed a defense cooperation agreement. The agreement aims to refurbish PNG’s ports and airports for both military and civilian purposes. However, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made it clear that the US does not seek a permanent base in Papua New Guinea.
The defense cooperation agreement allows for the staging of US forces and equipment in PNG and covers the joint development of the Lombrum naval base by Australia and the US. The US aims to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China, particularly given the tensions surrounding Taiwan and China’s recent security pact with Solomon Islands.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape affirmed that the defense cooperation with the US is primarily intended to strengthen PNG’s defense capabilities rather than prepare for war.
