France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, docked in the Philippines after it took part in combined military exercises in the disputed South China Sea. The port visit highlights growing defense cooperation between the two nations and is in support of France's Indo-Pacific strategy.
Historic Port Call at Subic Bay
On February 21, 2025, the Charles de Gaulle made its first-ever port call in the Philippines, docking at Subic Bay, a former U.S. naval base north of Manila. The port call followed a two-and-a-half-month deployment from its homeport in Toulon, France. The French carrier strike group consisted of:
- Two multi-mission destroyers
- One air defense destroyer
- The auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier
This port call is a milestone in the growing maritime security ties between France and the Philippines. (Source)
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Joint Military Exercises in the South China Sea
Before its arrival in Subic Bay, the Charles de Gaulle held joint military exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the disputed South China Sea. Such high-intensity training exercises included:
- Anti-submarine warfare exercises
- Air combat training
- Tactical sea operations
The exercises were intended to enhance contingency preparedness, promote regional security, and maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed waters. (Source)
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France and the Philippines Strengthen Defense Ties
The trip is part of a larger move to enhance defense cooperation between the two countries. In December 2023, France and the Philippines had high-level defense negotiations to discuss the possibility of:
- A Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), under which joint military exercises and deployment of French troops in the Philippines can take place
- Enhanced naval patrols in the South China Sea
- Defense technology sharing and training programs
The potential VFA agreement would represent a radical shift in regional defense dynamics, allowing France to engage more actively in the Indo-Pacific. (Source)
China's Response to France's Military Presence
China, which controls nearly 90% of the South China Sea, has always opposed foreign military deployment in the waters. The Charles de Gaulle's deployment and bilateral military exercises are likely to infuriate Beijing.
China had denounced the Philippines and its allies earlier for:
- "Ganging up" on China
- "Destabilizing the region" with military exercises
- Eroding Chinese sovereignty
Despite a 2016 global tribunal ruling rejecting China's expansive maritime claims, Beijing has been increasing its military expansion, constructing artificial islands and stationing naval and air forces in disputed areas. (Source)
France's Growing Role in Indo-Pacific Security
France's Indo-Pacific military presence is not limited to the Philippines alone. The French Navy has been a willing participant in multilateral security activities, including:
- The 2024 "Sama Sama" naval maneuvers, along with the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines
- Two-way maritime defense exercises with India and Japan
- Freedom of navigation patrol in disputed waters
By enhancing defense cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, France is emerging as a leading security ally in the region. (Source)
Philippines' Military Modernization and Strategic Partnerships
The Philippines is rapidly modernizing its military, investing billions of dollars in new defense hardware, including:
- Multirole fighter jets
- Warships and submarines
- Sophisticated missile systems
The country is seeking closer ties with nations like France, the U.S., and Japan to counter security issues, particularly Chinese territorial expansion in the South China Sea. (Source)
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Future of France-Philippines Defense Relations
The historic visit of the Charles de Gaulle is a turning point in France-Philippines defense relations. From now on, we can expect:
✅ More joint military exercises in the South China Sea
✅ More French naval presence in the Indo-Pacific
✅ Strong diplomatic and military coordination between Paris and Manila
As regional tensions continue, the Philippines and France are committed to defending maritime sovereignty and upholding international law in the Indo-Pacific.
Such strategic collaboration not only strengthens the Philippines' military strength but also sends a strong signal to China—that the world is alert and willing to act.
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Conclusion: A Game-Changer in Indo-Pacific Defense
France's Charles de Gaulle deployment to the Philippines is a key development in the Indo-Pacific security order. The visit seals defense cooperation, strengthens maritime security, and bolsters the Philippines' stand against territorial aggression.
As tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise, France's participation reinforces a united front against assertive maritime claims, strengthening the international dedication to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.
For additional updates on Indo-Pacific defense news, visit:
➡️ AP News
➡️ Reuters
➡️ Naval News