ABOARD THE CHARLES DE GAULLE, Philippines: France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its warships arrived in the Philippines over the weekend after conducting military exercises with Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea.

These drills, which showcased their military strength, could upset China.

The French carrier, Charles de Gaulle, docked at Subic Bay, a former U.S. naval base northwest of Manila, after spending over two months in the Indo-Pacific. During the exercises, the French and Filipino forces practiced anti-submarine warfare and aerial combat training to boost regional security and prepare for potential threats.

French Ambassador to Manila, Marie Fontanel, said the aim was to strengthen cooperation with regional partners who share values like following international law and ensuring freedom of navigation. Speaking aboard the Charles de Gaulle, she emphasized the importance of protecting international cooperation.

Last year, a French navy frigate joined U.S. and Philippine forces for joint drills, which were part of their largest combat exercise, called Balikatan (meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog). China criticized those exercises, accusing the Philippines of aligning with outside powers like the U.S., which they claimed could fuel conflict in the region.

According to the Philippine military, France's recent deployments highlight its commitment to regional security and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Charles de Gaulle led a group of three destroyers and a supply ship on its first visit to the Philippines.

France has been increasing military partnerships with Southeast Asian countries involved in disputes with China over the South China Sea. Although France says these drills aren't aimed at any specific country, China has reacted strongly to foreign military presence in the area, claiming almost the entire South China Sea as its own—though it has never clearly defined its boundaries.

China's overlapping claims conflict with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Tensions have recently escalated, including an incident two weeks ago when a Chinese fighter jet released flares dangerously close to an Australian surveillance plane.

In late 2023, France and the Philippines signed an agreement to boost military cooperation. They also began talks on a defense pact that would allow troops from both nations to train together in each other's territories. Similar agreements have already been signed between the Philippines, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, with New Zealand expected to finalize a similar pact soon.