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.

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.

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.

France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle made its first visit to the Philippines for joint naval exercises, stressing the importance of freedom of navigation amid rising South China Sea tensions.

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

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