Chasing 'sovereignty partnerships'

In 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron laid the foundations for France's strategy for the Indo-Pacific, a region that is becoming the new centre of gravity of the global economy but is also experiencing growing tensions and increased competition between major powers.

- MARC ABENSOUR

As a resident nation in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans through its overseas territories and communities, France has a direct stake in the region's stability and development. In this context, France wants to act as a stabilising force and to promote effective multilateralism based on the rule of law, inclusivity and respect for sovereignty.

The French strategy aims to address all regional challenges through a cooperative and multidimensional approach. Beyond defence and security, it also focuses on fighting climate change, protecting bio-diversity, and fostering sustainable ocean management, connectivity and health. France's priority is to forge “sovereignty partnerships” with Indo-Pacific countries. These partnerships are designed around shared objectives of reducing dependencies and enhancing resilience through cooperation programs addressing common challenges. They help to preserve freedom of action and increase partners’ room for manoeuvre in an environment increasingly subject to strategic competition.