In a landmark event, the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle docked at Subic Bay, marking a significant step towards enhanced military collaboration between France and the Philippines. The visit, part of Operation CLEMENCEAU 25, underscores France’s commitment to regional stability and international law amidst growing tensions in strategic maritime zones.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, speaking from aboard the carrier, expressed optimism about the future of Franco-Philippine military relations. She highlighted the deployment of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) as a testament to France’s dedication to fostering trust and promoting regional order with Manila. The ambassador noted that the visit could pave the way for broader military cooperation, following a recent maritime activity with Filipino forces in the West Philippine Sea.
The Charles de Gaulle, accompanied by an air defense destroyer and the auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier, arrived in Subic Bay after a journey that also included a stop in Manila for two other multi-mission destroyer escorts. This deployment, according to Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, commander of the French Strike Force, is not aimed at any specific country but rather an exercise of France’s right to navigate freely in international waters.
Mallard emphasized the importance of maintaining open and common maritime spaces, stating that the visit was a first for a French CSG in the Pacific in recent years. He hinted at future high-level ship visits and possibly another carrier strike group deployment, indicating ongoing plans to build on the lessons learned from this mission.
The visit also comes at a time when France is awaiting the start of negotiations on a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the Philippines. The proposed VFA, which France submitted a draft for last October, aims to establish a legal framework for military personnel exchanges between the two nations. Ambassador Fontanel mentioned that France is keen to proceed with these negotiations once the Philippine authorities respond.
Additionally, France plans to participate as an observer in the Balikatan 2025 exercises, with hopes of more active involvement in future years. This strategic engagement reflects France’s broader goal of reinforcing international law and freedom of navigation in the region.