France's commitment to bolstering military ties with the Philippines was clearly demonstrated this past weekend, as the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, docked at Subic Bay. This marked its first-ever visit to the nation, following extensive participation in combat drills with Filipino forces in the contested South China Sea, highlighting the increasing military cooperation amid rising regional tensions.
The Charles de Gaulle docked on Friday, December 1, after completing more than two months of deployment across the Indo-Pacific region. During its time at Subic Bay—a former U.S. Naval base—French and Philippine military personnel engaged in various preparation drills, promoting readiness, and regional security.
The exercises involved anti-submarine warfare and aerial combat training. These training sessions are part of implementing contingency readiness measures between France and its allies. "We aim to deepen our cooperation with regional partners with whom we share common values such as upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in shared maritime spaces," remarked Marie Fontanel, the French Ambassador to Manila, during her address on the deck of the Charles de Gaulle.
Fontanel's words were accompanied by the sight of several Rafale fighter jets and other military assets ready for action, fluttering flags of France and the Philippines serving as symbols of their mutual objectives. "Our presence is a constant reminder of the importance to promote and protect what unites us all — international law and cooperation," she added, emphasizing the significance of these drills beyond just military might.
Last year, the French navy made headlines when it deployed for the first time with the U.S. and Philippine forces, participating in Balikatan exercises — the largest joint training operation between the two nations. These drills involved over 16,000 military personnel and prompted sharp rebuke from China, which accused the Philippines of colluding with foreign nations to challenge its claims over the South China Sea.
Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, the Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, stated, "France’s recent and continuing military deployments to the Philippines underline its commitment to regional security and the shared goal of strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific." This renewed emphasis on military collaboration is evident as France also takes measures to strengthen ties with other Southeast Asian countries who have been at odds with China over territorial claims.
Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory, which overlaps with claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, leading to increasing tensions and confrontations around the region. France's naval maneuvers come at a time when geopolitical tensions are high, with several foreign military forces conducting operations to challenge China's expansive claims.
This deployment aligns with France's strategy of reinforcing its military presence and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. On the diplomatic front, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro signed accords to boost military cooperation, allowing for joint exercises in each other’s territories, showcasing the commitment to strengthen ties against potential threats.
While the military drills reflect France's proactive approach toward regional security, they have been met with criticism from China. Chinese officials have warned against the perceived encroachment of foreign military forces near its claimed territories, stating previous military exercises held by the Philippines with the U.S. and other nations could instigate confrontation, undermining peace and stability.
The Philippines continues to navigate its partnerships carefully, forging closer military agreements with various nations. Alongside the agreements with France, the Philippines has pledged to strengthen ties with the U.S., Australia, and Japan, exhibiting the country’s active approach to establishing strong defense relationships as tensions rise over the South China Sea.
The Charles de Gaulle’s visit symbolizes much more than military drills; it is indicative of shifting alliances within the Southeast Asian region and the parameters of international diplomacy, as countries like the Philippines seek to balance their national interests against the backdrop of geopolitical rivalry.
The air was rife with tension surrounding the South China Sea, yet the buoyant presence of the aircraft carrier, alongside its accompanying warships, served as both a show of strength and as reassurance to the Philippines of France’s commitment to their shared values. The strategic military collaboration and developments herald not just immediate military readiness but also signify long-term partnerships within the region, promoting peace, security, and adherence to international law.