French state (July 2023) warns of 'a new imperialism in the Indo-Pacific': Look in the mirror (a teachable moment on geographies of maritime dominion)

(Originally published elsewhere on 28 July 2023.)

Hey everyone, some news: France says it doesn't like "imperialism" in the Indo-Pacific.

Macron: “There is in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in Oceania new imperialism appearing, and a power logic that is threatening the sovereignty of several states - the smallest, often the most fragile.”

Yessss, I know.

I know he's referring to his perception of China et al.

This is in half-jest.

Teachable moment, though, for those unfamiliar with the French exclusive economic zone(s).

Some stuff:

“Thanks to its overseas territories, France has an exclusive economic zone of nearly 11.7 million square kilometers, 93 percent of which is in the Indo-Pacific”:

Areas of Pacific and Indian oceans actively monitored by French forces:

French military presence in Africa:

Nations obligated to use the notorious CFA franc, subject to imposed debt conditions and French-directed investment and lending:

From literally this month (July 2023): “President Macron reaffirms French ownership of New Caledonia” (one of the largest islands in the South Pacific, where in recent years Indigenous Kanak people have advocated for independence from France):

Context!

Look at some of the recent dates of “independence” for these French colonies:

“From 1966 to 1996, France carried out 193 nuclear tests in the South Pacific”: 

“France’s exclusive economic zones”:

“French military presence in the Indo-Pacific”:

Hmmm?