French Aircraft Carrier Conducts Combat Exercises with Philippine Forces in Disputed Waters, Strengthening Regional Ties

On February 24, 2025, France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, conducted combat drills with Filipino forces in the South China Sea. The exercises, held near Subic Bay, aimed to enhance military cooperation and regional security amidst ongoing territorial disputes involving China.

The Charles de Gaulle, accompanied by a strike group of three destroyers and an oil replenishment ship, docked at Subic Bay after a two-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific. The drills included anti-submarine warfare exercises and aerial combat training, showcasing the capabilities of both French and Philippine military forces. French Ambassador to Manila, Marie Fontanel, emphasized the importance of upholding international law and freedom of navigation during a News conference on the carrier’s flight deck.

In recent years, France has increased its military presence in the region, participating in joint exercises with the united states and the Philippines, including the Balikatan exercises, which involved over 16,000 troops. The French military’s involvement is part of a broader strategy to strengthen alliances with Southeast Asian nations facing challenges from China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. Key points include:

• France’s commitment to regional security.
• Joint military exercises with the Philippines and other allies.
• China’s ongoing territorial claims and criticisms of foreign military presence.

In late 2023, France and the Philippines signed an accord to enhance military cooperation, paving the way for future joint exercises. This agreement aligns with the Philippines’ existing defense partnerships with the United States, Australia, and Japan, further solidifying its strategic alliances in the face of regional tensions. As military activities in the South China Sea continue to escalate, the presence of foreign forces remains a contentious issue, particularly for China, which views such drills as provocations.

The recent drills by the Charles de Gaulle and Filipino forces highlight ongoing efforts to bolster military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting shared interests in maintaining stability and upholding international norms in contested waters.