Page 22 - Zenith2024

Zenith 2024

What if there were a Korean territory in the middle of the vast ocean? France, the country with
the world's second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is currently facing violent protests and
conflicts over the independence of its colony, New Caledonia.

In the past, New Caledonia was inhabited by indigenous people. However, in 1774, British
navigator James Cook discovered the island and named it "New Caledonia," meaning New
Scotland, after his father's homeland. To prevent British expansion, France occupied New
Caledonia in 1853 and sent around 20,000 prisoners there.

In 1864, ore and nickel were discovered in New
Caledonia. This was a double-edged sword. With the
discovery of the world's second-largest nickel reserves,
France became even more determined not to let go of
New Caledonia. The French destroyed indigenous villages
through expulsions, executions, and land confiscations,
and they suppressed uprisings. Over time, the number
of French settlers increased, changing the demographic
composition. The indigenous population became 41% of
New Caledonia's population, while European immigrants,
mainly from France, made up 24%, outnumbering the
indigenous people in some regions. Feeling that their dream of independence would never be
realized if they retreated any further, the indigenous people strongly demanded independence in
the 1970s.

In response, France proposed an alternative in 1998. They significantly expanded the autonomy
of New Caledonian indigenous people and agreed to hold three referendums by 2018, allowing
for independence if the vote passed even once. The agreement stipulated that only residents and
their descendants living in New Caledonia as of 1998 would have voting rights.
For 20 years, New Caledonia's mining and tourism industries flourished. However, in the decisive
year of 2018, the price of nickel fell, putting the entire region in crisis. The first independence
referendum was held in November 2018. The results showed a divide between the east, where
indigenous people mostly lived, and the west, predominantly inhabited by French settlers. By a
narrow margin, 43% voted in favor, and 56% against, resulting in the referendum's failure.

22