French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other fleet stationed in the Philippines staged combat drills with Philippine forces

The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea. View on euronews

France hopes to see broader military cooperation with the Philippines following the historic visit of its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles d

France aims to strengthen military cooperation with the Philippines following the historic visit of its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de

France already submitted the first draft of its military interoperability agreement with PH and is currently awaiting the latter’s response.

Manila is currently in talks to allow military forces from New Zealand, Canada and France to train in the Philippines, with defense officials expecting to finalize at least two of these Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) before the year ends.

In a demonstration of their growing commitment to regional security, the Philippines and France conducted joint naval and air operations in the West Philippine Sea on Friday to further strengthen defense cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Fontanel said France stands with PH in adhering to international law of the sea when asked how to help allies control tension in the WPS.