New Caledonia's outgoing member of the French National Assembly has expressed concern about China's position in the Pacific, saying Beijing has already colonised Vanuatu.
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Philippe Gomes, who says he will not seek re-election next month, said the territory's Assembly member had to look at the international situation and their voice must be heard.
Gomes, who has been part of the Assembly's foreign affairs commission, said through the Indo-Pacific axis France remains in charge of New Caledonia's international relations.
Speaking on New Caledonian television, he said this was a time when China was about to colonise not only Solomon Islands, but also Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Last month, Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China, causing alarm in several western capitals.
The commander of the French Armed Forces in the Pacific said France wanted to be a power of balance amid the rivalry between the United States and China.
