France's Strategy Towards China's Actions in the South China Sea and the First Island Chain
This is the third chapter of the edited volume External Stakeholders in the South China Sea.
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Benjamin Blandin contributes a French perspective on potential escalation in the South China Sea and explores the measures France is taking to stabilise the region. He highlights that France is a resident power in the Indo-Pacific, which distinguishes it from other European countries. Blandin finds that France views China’s rejection of the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal ruling very pessimistically and therefore relies on military presence and diplomacy as key tools to avert escalation in the South China Sea disputes.
Policy recommendations
Make France’s Indo-Pacific presence permanent. Measures such as the consolidation of the Defence Mission in Manila, the forthcoming Visiting Forces Agreement, the reinforcement of the Défense Mission to the United States INDOPACOM in Hawaii, and the steady rhythm of naval and air operations should be supported as long-term commitments.
Create a strategic command dedicated to the South China Sea, Southeast Asia or the First Island Chain. Additionally, a limited increase of France’s permanent military presence in the region, including a permanent naval force, could be based in either Papeete or Nouméa. Developing regional intelligence capabilities, could also add weight to France’s posture and facilitate an increased cooperation with the QUAD.
Expand Europeanisation of regional engagement, with German, Dutch, and Italian contributions. Agreeing to field European member country naval and air platforms with mixed-crew personnel could support this aim. A similar initiative could be to grant these European countries greater access to French Pacific bases.
This work was supported by a generous grant from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung East Asia Office in Seoul (HBS). All views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the official views of HBS, the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network, or its board, members, or other funders.
Image: French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle (US Department of Defense).