New Caledonia might be about to break from France. Here's why the world is watching

Many voters in the French territory of New Caledonia go to the polls this Sunday to vote on a referendum on independence — again.

They have voted twice before on the issue, but analysts say changing demographics and politics could push the small cluster of South Pacific islands into independence in this third and final vote.

Such a move could have wider implications, particularly for France and its status as a world power in the resource-rich and strategic Pacific.

And it's a moment not lost on China and the United States as well.

The long path to self-determination

The vote comes