In a move that is likely to attract the ire of China, France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and accompanying warships were in the Philippines after holding combat drills with Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea.
The French aircraft carrier docked on Friday at Subic Bay, a former US Naval base northwest of Manila, for a break after more than two months of deployment in the Indo-Pacific. It engaged with security allies for contingency readiness and to promote regional security, including with Filipino forces, navy ships and fighter jets.
⚓️🇫🇷 Historic first! The French Carrier Strike Group around Charles de Gaulle has arrived in the Philippines for an unprecedented stopover, reinforcing an enhanced maritime and defense cooperation between our two countries. Bienvenue aux 🇵🇭 ! Maligayang pagdating ! #CLEMENCEAU25 pic.twitter.com/Sx7Z7GH5OP
— France in the PH 🇫🇷🇵🇭 (@FrenchEmbassyPH) February 23, 2025
They held anti-submarine warfare drills and aerial combat training on Friday in the South China Sea, according to Philippine and French officials.
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France's recent and ongoing military deployments to the Philippines underscore its commitment to regional security and the shared goal of strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Co Xerxes Trinidad said.
The Charles de Gaulle, the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world other than those of the US Navy, led a strike group that included three destroyer warships and an oil replenishment ship in its first-ever visit to the Philippines, French officials said.
The French navy had deployed a frigate for the first time last year to participate in a joint sail with the US and Philippine forces in and near the disputed waters. It was part of the largest annual combat exercises— Balikatan—in years by American and Filipino allied forces, involving more than 16,000 military personnel.
The drills were strongly criticized by China, alleging that the Philippines was ganging up with countries from outside Asia, and warned the drills could instigate confrontation and undermine regional stability.
