France's partnerships in Indo-Pacific
France has entered into strategic partnerships with several nations in the Indo-Pacific region to tackle common challenges and promote cooperation.
We help you explore these partnerships and identify the opportunities they offer.
In September 2020, France became a development partner of ASEAN, and it closely works with ASEAN nations on areas of mutual interest, including maritime cooperation, cyber security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, public health, biodiversity, environment, and climate change.
ASEAN has been identified as a key partner in France’s Indo-Pacific strategy to enhance sustainable development, peace and security, and stability in the region.
The China-France global strategic partnership was established in 2004 and aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as politics, economy, culture, and science and technology. Under this partnership, the two countries have collaborated on various initiatives and projects, such as the joint development of civilian nuclear energy technology, cultural and educational exchanges, and strengthening economic ties.
The two countries also work together on international issues, such as climate change and global governance.
The India-France strategic partnership was formalized in 1998 and has since expanded to cover various spheres, including defence, security, space, civil nuclear energy, trade, education and culture. The two countries have also established a Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region to enhance cooperation in maritime security, climate change, renewable energy, disaster management, scientific research, and sustainable development.
In the field of defence, the two countries have been collaborating on various projects.
France is also a key partner in India’s civil nuclear energy program.
Japan has been a strategic partner of France since 1995, and this partnership was elevated to the rank of “exceptional partnership” during the State visit of French President François Hollande to Japan in June 2013. The partnership covers a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, technology, security, culture, and education.
Japan and France cooperate closely in areas such as science and technology, with joint research projects and exchanges of researchers and students.
Japan is seen as one of France’s closest partners in the Indo-Pacific to support democracy and global peace.
The Singapore-France strategic partnership was established in 2012 to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including trade, investment, education, research, innovation, culture, defence, and security. The partnership is based on shared values and interests, seeking to promote mutual understanding and dialogue between Singapore and France. One of the main goals of the partnership is to deepen economic ties between the two countries.
In March 2022, Singapore and France enhanced their relations by signing a partnership on digital and green economy cooperation.
France and the UAE adopted a roadmap for their strategic partnership in June 2020 covering defence, security, economic cooperation, culture, health, education, and space exploration. The partnership includes an economic component, with France and the UAE agreeing to expand their trade and investment ties, supporting startups and innovation through joint initiatives and partnerships between French and Emirati companies.
In July 2022, France and UAE signed a strategic partnership on energy to identify joint investment projects on renewable and nuclear energy.
Vietnam and France have been expanding their strategic partnership since 2013 to strengthen their political, economic, and cultural engagement. The partnership has been developing in various areas such as defence and security cooperation, economic development, education and cultural exchange, and environmental and climate change issues.
In the field of education and culture, France has been providing scholarships and exchange programs for Vietnamese students and academic researchers.
France and EU-Indo-Pacific partnerships
In addition to these initiatives, France supports European partnerships signed with India (EU-India connectivity partnership), Japan (EU-Japan digital partnership) or Singapore (EU-Singapore digital partnership) and contributes to the implementation of the free trade agreements signed between the European Union and Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam.
