Stories by Patrick Decloitre

A recent spate of blockades has resurfaced in New Caledonia with Lifou Island's airport being again paralysed by a group of disgruntled users protesting against the cost of domestic plane tickets.

After weeks of controversy over potential environmental damages, French Polynesia's iconic site of Teahupoo confirmed as the 2024 Olympic Games surfing competitions venue.

A round-up of news from the French Pacific region.

French Polynesia's tourism arrivals have returned to pre-Covid levels, with a specifically high spending by international visitors, latest statistics revealed.

Analysis - After a phase of reluctance, talks on New Caledonia's political future now seem to flourish both within pro and anti-independence parties and sometimes between opposing camps as well.

A round-up of news from the French Pacific territories.

French Polynesia's hosting of the 2024 Olympic Games surfing competitions, on the iconic site of Teahupoo, is at the centre of a double controversy, on both environmental and political fronts.

New Caledonia's political parties, both pro-French and pro-independence, have started to prepare for the visit of French Minister Gérald Darmanin later this month.

In a rare interview, China's Consul in French Polynesia, Tian Lixiao has told local media his country was in favour of a direct air link with Tahiti.

Denise Campbell Bauer has concluded a one-week tour of the French Pacific, where she has held talks with key stakeholders.

French home affairs and overseas minister Gérald Darmanin has announced new dates for his visit to New Caledonia, where he is planning to pursue crucial talks with political parties.

Analysis - New Caledonia's visitor arrivals are returning to pre-Covid levels, but the rebound is being hampered by domestic tensions.

Analysis - After 10 years of non-attendance, France has actually attended this week's French Polynesia sitting of the UN Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Comittee).

Defence ministers from several Asian and Pacific States are scheduled to meet in New Caledonia for two days.

Analysis - A prominent pro-France leader in New Caledonia, Sonia Backès, has resigned from the French government after a resounding defeat at France's Senatorial elections four days ago.

Talks in Paris between France and New Caledonia leaders have led to several outcomes, including a document on the future of the territory.

New Caledonia's pro-independence and pro-French parties are in Paris as part of French-mediated talks about the Pacific territory's future.