France's Military Moves: Increasing Sea Tensions with China

France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, has participated in combat drills with the Philippines in the South China Sea. This move, seen as a display of strength, could potentially provoke China. Both nations are reinforcing their military ties amid rising regional tensions in disputed maritime areas.

The nuclear-powered French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its warships conducted combat drills with Filipino forces in the contentious South China Sea, arriving in the Philippines on Sunday. This show of military prowess is expected to raise tensions with China.

Docking at Subic Bay after over two months in the Indo-Pacific, the Charles de Gaulle engaged with allies to shore up regional security. The carrier, accompanied by destroyers and an oil replenishment ship, carried out anti-submarine and aerial drills last Friday.

China has vocally criticized these exercises, arguing they could escalate regional conflict. Despite this, France and the Philippines continue to foster military cooperation, discussing defense accords and partnership exercises in response to maritime disputes involving several Southeast Asian nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)