Fiji experiences two military coups in 1987.
New Caledonia, one of the premier nickel producers in the world, also exports cobalt, chrome, iron, manganese, lead, copper, silver and gold, as well as a variety of agricultural products.
In 1987, voters elect not to become independent.
Kanak separatists boycott a 1987 New Caledonian referendum on independence that “ratifies” French rule.
The exiled Kanaky (their name for New Caledonia) resistance movement reeives support form the progressive goverment of the island nation of Vanuatu.
The CIA, characterizing Vanuatu as the victim of “Libyan subversion”, channels funds into destablizing Vanuatu’s government.
The Fijian electorate replaces the pro-US government with a progressive coalition in the 1987 elections.
CIA “coup experts”, including the head of the World Anti-Communist League, visit Fiji.
A CIA-backed coup deposes the popularly elected government within a month.
The new ruling junta purchases a number of US military helicopters.