“The Philippines and France have signed an agreement opening the door for their soldiers to participate in joint exercises on each other’s soil, Manila said on Friday, March 27, its first such pact with a European country. The archipelago nation has secured similar pacts with Japan, Canada and New Zealand over the past two years, as it seeks to counter Beijing’s assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.”
“The new agreement, which must still be ratified by the countries’ legislatures, would allow for greater cooperation with French ground forces, which have previously taken part as observers in the annual US-Philippine Balikatan military exercises.”
See also: France is 6th PH ‘visiting forces’ partner
“It was the country’s first VFA with a European country, and followed the agreements earlier forged with four other countries: the United States (1999), Australia (2007), New Zealand (2025), and Canada (2025). A similar arrangement was signed with Japan in 2024, known as a Reciprocal Access Agreement.”
“Negotiations for a VFA with the United Kingdom are ongoing.”
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/315909/france-is-6th-ph-visiting-forces-partner