A diplomatic row has erupted between Vanuatu and New Caledonia after Port Vila invited an FLNKS delegation led by Christian Tein to a forum aimed at strengthening economic cooperation with New Caledonia. The invitation prompted New Caledonian officials to suspend work on a trade cooperation agreement and led France’s diplomatic representation to instruct its ambassador in Vanuatu to boycott the event.
Christopher Gygès, New Caledonia’s official charged with foreign trade, described Vanuatu’s decision to host the FLNKS delegation as “a lack of respect” and announced the immediate suspension of discussions on the proposed trade cooperation accord. The New Caledonian government reiterated that, under the territory’s organic law, only the president of New Caledonia has the authority to represent the territory abroad, and it said the FLNKS delegation — which includes figures who also hold government posts, such as Mickaël Forrest — was not attending in an official capacity.
The French High Commission in Nouméa moved quickly to escalate the matter diplomatically. It instructed the French ambassador to Vanuatu to boycott the forum and to formally remind Vanuatu authorities that any delegation purporting to represent New Caledonia must be the subject of a formal request to New Caledonia’s executive. Officials told media that no such request had been received by Nouméa.
The controversy intensified after images circulated on social media showing the FLNKS delegation receiving what critics called a lavish welcome in Port Vila. Several New Caledonian business leaders who were present at the forum — and who said they had not been warned of the FLNKS participation — left the event and returned home in protest. Backbench MP Nicolas Metzdorf accused Vanuatu of “openly mocking” New Caledonia, reflecting anger across parts of the political spectrum in Nouméa.
The FLNKS has responded only to confirm that its leader Christian Tein met Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat during the visit. The pro-independence group described the meeting as a reaffirmation of historic ties between Vanuatu and the Kanak people and said it reflected a shared vision for a Melanesia free of colonial influence. FLNKS spokespeople have emphasised ties of solidarity rather than an attempt to supplant official New Caledonian representation.
The latest developments halt momentum toward formalising closer economic links between the neighbouring territories and underline the sensitivity of representation and sovereignty in the region. With trade cooperation talks paused and France formally intervening, the incident could complicate future forums intended to foster business and investment across Melanesia unless a protocol for official participation is agreed. For now, the row shifts attention from economic cooperation to questions of diplomatic etiquette and political recognition between Pacific governments and New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement.