Strategic ties between European countries and the Philippines are set to grow as leaders recognize the importance of countering China's rising military activity near Taiwan and the South China Sea.
France s joint commander of armed forces in the Asia-Pacific welcomed South Korea s new Indo-Pacific strategy and highlighted the opportunity for stronger cooperation between Korea and France. Rear Adm. Geoffroy d Andigne, French joint commander of the Asia-Pacific zone and armed forces in French Polynesia, said South Korea plays a crucial role in maintaining security and peace in Northeast Asia and it has the potential to contribute significantly to global security.