Island Disputes in the Pacific: A Pattern of Power Play The long standing dispute between Vanuatu and France over two uninhabited islands, Matthew and Hunter, has been playing out for decades.
The issue is not just about island sovereignty but also about control over valuable seabed resources and fishing grounds that are crucial to Vanuatu's economic survival.
Vanuatu has been seeking clarification on its territorial waters and fishing rights, which have been a contentious issue since the mid 20th century.