France Reasserts Sovereignty Over Pacific Islands as Vanuatu Seeks ICJ Ruling
Vanuatu has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to assert its claim over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islands, which France has controlled for a long time. However, the case can't progress unless France agrees. If Paris blocks the application, Vanuatu plans to seek support from the UN General Assembly. On Wednesday, France reiterated its claim over these islands, with junior minister Eleonore Caroit mentioning that they’ll respond to Vanuatu's move eventually. These islands, located about 300 km east of New Caledonia, are small but have a critical exclusive economic zone of 350,000 sq km, essential for fishing and seabed resources. The ICJ has stated that it can’t proceed without France’s approval, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Pacific.
Key facts
- Vanuatu filed an application with the ICJ seeking recognition of its claim over Matthew and Hunter islands.
- The case cannot proceed without French consent to ICJ jurisdiction.
- Vanuatu warns it will seek a UN General Assembly opinion if France blocks its ICJ bid.
- France reasserted sovereignty over the islands on Wednesday.
- Eleonore Caroit, junior minister at the French foreign ministry, said Paris will respond in due course.
- The islands are uninhabited and located 300km east of New Caledonia and southeast of Vanuatu.
- The islands cover less than 1 sq km but guarantee an EEZ of 350,000 sq km.
- Control over the islands dictates fishing rights and seabed resource exploitation.
Entities
Institutions
- International Court of Justice
- United Nations General Assembly
- French foreign ministry
Locations
- Vanuatu
- France
- Matthew Island
- Hunter Island
- New Caledonia
- Pacific