France and the Philippines, both prominent maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, are well-positioned to foster a security partnership rooted in shared priorities to sustain maritime security. Their common interests, underpinned by mutual commitments to international law, create a robust foundation for enhanced cooperation that can significantly contribute to regional stability and sustainable development.

France holds the world’s second largest exclusive economic zone, with 90 per cent located in the Indo-Pacific, thanks to its overseas territories like La Reunion, New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,641 islands, commands an exclusive economic zone of over 2.2 million square kilometres, making it a critical player in the region’s maritime affairs. Both countries are biodiversity hotspots — the Philippines ranks third globally for coral biodiversity, while France ranks fourth — and share a vested interest in sustainable marine resource management.

Their convergence is further strengthened by a shared adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS). The Philippines actively defends its maritime rights, particularly in light of China’s expansive territorial claims that threaten its integrity. While not taking sides on the territorial disputes, French Navy ships regularly transit through the SCS to support UNCLOS rules. Despite France’s current preoccupation with the war in Ukraine, it has remained a consistent contributor to regional stability through its Indo-Pacific strategy, recognising the deep interconnection between the Asian and Euro-Atlantic theatres. This legal and strategic synergy offers a solid basis for a deeper maritime partnership, especially as US President Donald Trump ostensibly disregards international law.

Enhancing maritime domain awareness is pivotal for both nations to safeguard their extensive maritime territories. The Philippines, with its vast and complex maritime zones, faces challenges in effectively monitoring activities, particularly in the SCS and along its eastern seaboard.

France’s Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center, based in Brest, coordinates maritime security by collecting and analysing information from commercial shipping operators. By disseminating threat alerts, it enhances maritime situational awareness.

Establishing a bilateral agreement on white shipping — the exchange of information on commercial vessels — would be mutually beneficial. For the Philippines, it enhances monitoring capabilities and maritime security in contested waters, while improving France’s understanding of maritime dynamics in the SCS — a region critical to European trade routes. This reciprocal arrangement ensures better preparedness and response to maritime threats, benefitting both nations.

In 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority signed an agreement granting access to the EU-backed Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing platform. This will also help significantly enhance the Philippines’ monitoring capacities.

Joint exercises and training programs have started to foster interoperability between French and Philippine maritime forces, strengthening their ability to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in the region. The French carrier strike group made its first stopover in the Philippines in February 2025 and engaged with Philippine forces.

Both the Philippines and France — especially its overseas territories in the Indo-Pacific — face significant environmental challenges including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, coral degradation and the impacts of climate change. The Philippines’ pioneering community-based Marine Protected Areas offer valuable insights into inclusive conservation practices. Meanwhile, France’s leadership in global environmental initiatives like the 30×30 commitment — protecting 30 per cent of marine and land areas by 2030 — provides a robust policy framework for protecting marine biodiversity.

Sharing best practices — like French Polynesia’s model of managed marine areas and the Philippines’ virtuous management cases listed in its Marine Protected Areas database — could enhance strategies for sustainable marine management. These efforts contribute to regional biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable tourism, benefiting neighbouring Indo-Pacific countries.

The Philippines’ pending Blue Economy Act highlights its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. While geographical differences would require adjustments, France’s experiences in developing sustainable fisheries and maritime infrastructure in overseas territories could offer practical models for the Philippines. Collaborative efforts could focus on building resilient fisheries, improving maritime infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of the blue economy reach coastal communities.

A promising example of cooperation with regional implications is the EU-supported development of sustainable fisheries practices that can be shared with other Southeast Asian nations. Scientific cooperation is critical for advancing these goals. French institutions like the Institute of Research for Development and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea can partner with Philippine counterparts to drive research in areas like coral reef restoration and climate change mitigation.

The EU’s Copernicus Marine Service also provides invaluable data for maritime management, enhancing the Philippines’ ability to monitor and respond to environmental changes. These initiatives can serve as regional benchmarks, encouraging neighbouring countries to adopt similar sustainable practices.

Establishing an institutional framework is important to sustain and deepen this partnership. A joint maritime cooperation committee, supported by specialised working groups, can drive collaborative initiatives and ensure consistent progress. Track 1.5 dialogues, involving both government officials and academic experts, can facilitate strategic discussions and policy alignment.

A stronger maritime partnership between France and the Philippines is crucially important in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. By institutionalising their relationship, both nations can strengthen their resilience against emerging threats while promoting the rules-based order. The broader region stands to benefit from this shared commitment to sustainability and security.

>Read the article on East Asia Forum.