8 months ago
France denies ceding Matthew, Hunter islands to Vanuatu
France and Vanuatu are arguing over two small, uninhabited islands in the Pacific called Matthew and Hunter.
France says it's not giving up the islands, but Vanuatu wants them.
These islands are important because they help France control a big area of the ocean around them.
Some people in France, like Marine Le Pen, are worried that France might give up the islands without telling everyone.
The two countries are still talking about it and will meet again in 2026 to try and solve the problem.
France denies plans to cede sovereignty over Matthew and Hunter islands to Vanuatu.
Marine Le Pen accused President Emmanuel Macron of seeking to give up overseas territories.
The islands are claimed by both France and Vanuatu, creating a long-standing dispute.
France acknowledges the dispute but states no territory cession was discussed in recent talks.
Sovereignty over the islands allows France to control a large exclusive economic zone.
- Who
- France and Vanuatu
- What
- Dispute over sovereignty of Matthew and Hunter islands
- Where
- Paris, France
- When
- Ongoing, with next discussions in early 2026
- Why
- To resolve a long-standing dispute and delimit maritime borders
Key facts
- Islands in dispute
- Matthew and Hunter
- Location of islands
- East of New Caledonia in the Pacific
- Claimants
- France and Vanuatu
- Status of islands
- Uninhabited
- Vanuatu's independence
- 1980
- Meeting between Macron and Vanuatu PM
- July 2023 in Paris
- Next discussions
- Early 2026 in Paris
Quotes
Marine Le Pen
Three-time presidential candidate for the far-right National Rally
“The French do not expect from the Macron leadership that it dismembers our overseas territories behind their backs.”
firstpost.com
“Let it be very clear: national sovereignty is neither negotiated nor abandoned.”
firstpost.com
Sources
Related news
U.S. Grant Program Excludes French Groups Over Election Interference Concerns
French Leaders Condemn Eiffel Tower Women Staff Removal
Eiffel Tower Staff Strike Over Women Sidelined During BAPS Visit
Reform UK and National Rally Pact to Stop Small-Boat Crossings
CNews’s rightward shift boosts France’s far-right ahead of election
