French Polynesia president greets Macron in Tahiti

President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived in Tahiti on Sunday on a visit to French Polynesia that's expected to focus on climate change, the legacy of French nuclear tests, and China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific region.

He was greeted with an orero, a traditional declaration by a respected storyteller, as he arrived in Tahiti's main city Papeete, 12 time zones away from Paris.

Over four days, Macron will visit four sites spread out across an ocean territory that's as large as Europe.

The trip is aimed at reinforcing the link between Paris and its far-flung former colonies in the Pacific.

Macron's visit will also include a discussion on Tahiti's planned role as the host of surfing events for the 2024 Paris Olympics.