evidence: Matthew and Hunter islands (Umaeneag and Umaenupne in Aneityum language) in the far south of Vanuatu are rich fishing grounds claimed by both nations. It is difficult to validate France’s position, which is undermined by several key points Vanuatu regularly raises. Firstly, that Vanuatu’s southern Aneityum Island had long standing names and kastom stories relating to these uninhabited islands for generations before French settlement in New Caledonia. Secondly, that the indigenous Kanak chiefs themselves in New Caledonia have said the islands rightfully belong to Vanuatu. Thirdly, that geography lends weight to Vanuatu’s claims, since the islands are on the Vanuatu side of the tectonic Pacific plate as seen in this map. There is some irony in France now playing the China card to assert "a new imperialism" is on the rise in the Pacific given its continuing hold over New Caledonia and Tahiti despite clear rumblings for independence there. France’s claim to Matthew and Hunter also risks the very thing it is warning about since Vanuatu government insiders say one reason Vanuatu was among the first nations to recognise China’s claims to the South China Sea was so that China would support Vanuatu’s claims to Matthew and Hunter.