The fallout of deadly riots in New Caledonia and the rights of the Indigenous Kanak people in the French territory is at the forefront of a Pacific leaders meeting.
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined Pacific and Japanese leaders in Tokyo as part of a summit held every three years.
"This is a matter that is being discussed, I think there is a shared view amongst Pacific island nations about the important of peace and stability," Senator Wong told reporters in Tokyo on Thursday.
The government of New Caledonia had requested a "high-level Pacific delegation" visit, Pacific Island Forum chair Mark Brown said.
"But of course, it will require the support of France in order for admission of a high level delegation of leaders from the Pacific to take place, so that is a work in progress at the moment," he said.
The foreign minister said she anticipated the Pacific Island Forum would made a decision about what its engagement with New Caledonia would be.
Up to 10 people died and hundreds were injured in riots over voting reforms in New Caledonia's capital Noumea in May.
Forum leaders are set to meet in Tonga from August 26 to 30.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group - made up of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and a pro-independence movement from New Caledonia - also expressed concerns about a referendum for independence from France.
A third referendum was held in the French territory in December 2021, with more than 96 per cent voting to remain a part of France.
But COVID-19 restrictions on the Indigenous Kanak people, a lack of clarity about voting, only 43 per cent voter turnout and " traditional obligations and Kanak customs relating to COVID 19 deaths (being) completely ignored" meant the result was invalid, the group said after meeting on the sidelines of Tokyo.
"We are of the strong view that the conduct was not in accordance with the UN principles allowing a fair and unfettered process," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr Brown voiced similar concerns.
"The fact the third referendum was boycotted by the Kanak population because of the impacts of COVID and the respect for the mourning period people had ... made the outcomes of that particular referendum, I guess, not really valid," he said.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group was also concerned about France bringing in the military to quell the May riots, saying it "has the potential to undermine the peaceful resolution to the situation".
On China, Mr Brown welcomed infrastructure aid and help with climate change resilience projects.
"We don't see that as an area of contention within the Pacific," he said.
"There is plenty of space for all development partners to be able to come in and align themselves with the 2050 strategy."
Australian Associated Press
