IN-DEPTH: Macron’s Troubles: Are Beijing, Moscow Fanning Violent Unrest in the Pacific?

According to France, unrest in New Caledonia—which recently exploded into violence and, so far, 6 deaths—is being fomented by China, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at New Caledonia's High Commissioner residency in Noumea on May 24, 2024, during his trip to the Pacific archipelago in an attempt to resolve a political crisis. Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

News Analysis

Azerbaijan—at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia—has a long-running dispute with France, but has no history or strategic interest in the Pacific.