France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and accompanying warships are in the Philippines after holding combat drills with Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea in a show of firepower that will likely antagonize China.

French and Philippine pilots held joint aerial drills over disputed waters in the South China Sea. Footage shows their fighter jets flying side-by-side above the West Philippine Sea - the part of the South China Sea within Philippine territory - on1.

A view of a jet on flight deck, abroad aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle at Subic Bay, a former U.S. Naval base, northwest of Manila, Philippines, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.

The visit of France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, follows joint combat drills with Filipino forces, a move likely to antagonise China.