South China Sea: France-Philippines proposed military drills seen as support for Manila’s maritime position

The two countries will discuss a visiting forces agreement, a month after French troops took part in the annual Balikatan exercises

The proposed deal signals France’s determination to play a bigger role in ensuring the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, analysts say

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Air assault exercises conducted by Philippine Marines and their counterparts from the US in Palawan province, Philippines during this year’s Balikatan exercises. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 12:00pm, 3 May 2024Updated: 2:43pm, 3 May 2024

A proposed deal to allow troops from France and the Philippines to hold joint drills in each other’s territory underscores the commitment by Paris to ensure the security of maritime trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region and support Manila’s position in its South China Sea dispute with Beijing, according to analysts.

Officials from France and the Philippines are set to meet in Paris this month to negotiate a visiting forces agreement. French troops are also expected to continue taking part in the annual joint exercises involving their US and Philippine counterparts after taking part for the first time last month.

The negotiations showed that France wanted to forge closer cooperation with its regional allies, geopolitical analyst Dindo Manhit said. “It is a testament to France’s commitment to upholding and promoting the rules-based order in the region.”

The proposed agreement comes against the backdrop of several clashes in recent months involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea as the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr sought closer cooperation with other countries to stake Manila’s claim in the waterways.

Among the incidents, Chinese coastguard vessels had harassed Philippine vessels on resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship serving as the Philippine navy’s outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal. Several Philippine vessels were also hit by water cannons from Chinese ships.

With the support from Paris, Manila could bolster its position in the maritime dispute on the international stage, defence analyst V.K. Parada said.