8 OCTOBER 2019
India takes first delivery in French jet deal
India received on Tuesday the first of 36 Rafale fighter jets ordered from France in 2016 in a multi-billion-dollar deal that Paris hopes will unlock more sales
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/india-takes-first-delivery-in-french-jet-deal-1.66995998
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-receives-first-rafale-fighter-jet-from-france/article29618964.ece?homepage=true
22 AUGUST 2019
In Modi era, France has replaced Russia as India’s new best friend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting France for his third state visit and fourth trip. Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed a gamut of issues ranging from trade and economics to energy security, counter-terrorism, defence and security cooperation and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific
https://theprint.in/opinion/in-modi-era-france-has-replaced-russia-as-indias-new-best-friend/280431/
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20190822-french-indian-growing-bilateral-trade-ties
http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2019/aug/22/pm-narendra-modi-holds-talks-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-2022865.html
3 AUGUST 2019
China suspends cooperation with France on police affairs, says report
Action comes after France gave asylum to wife of jailed former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/03/china-suspends-cooperation-with-france-on-police-affairs-interpol-meng-hongwei
17 JUNE 2019
Japan, France to unveil road map for cooperation amid China’s rise
Japan and France are planning to unveil a five-year road map in late June that deepens cooperation in areas ranging from maritime security to infrastructure assistance amid China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, government sources said Monday
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/18/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-france-unveil-road-map-cooperation-amid-chinas-rise/#.XQfouIgzY2w
06 JUNE 2019
France Trumpets Renewed Commitment to Stability in Indo-Pacific
10 MAY 2019
India and France hold biggest naval exercises with an eye on China
With the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle at the centre, France and India on Friday (May 10) stepped up their biggest naval exercises as the Indian Ocean’s strategic shipping lanes draw ever more envious eyes
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-and-france-hold-biggest-naval-exercises-with-an-eye-on-china
28 APRIL 2019
France recognizes Taiwan is key in solving South China Sea disputes
The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the French National Assembly recently published a 77 page report on the territory disputes and rising tensions in the South China Sea
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3689402
27 APRIL 2019
Cherish the love: China and France should avoid causing unnecessary upset, Beijing says
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3007941/cherish-love-china-and-france-should-avoid-causing-unnecessary
25 APRIL 2019
In Rare Move, French Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait
A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month, U.S. officials told Reuters, a rare voyage by a vessel of a European country that is likely to be welcomed by Washington but increase tension with Beijing
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-france-warship-exclusive-idUSKCN1S027E
https://www.france24.com/en/20190425-china-says-navy-warned-off-french-warship-taiwan-strait
23 APRIL 2019
Japan, France to cooperate to promote free trade
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and French President Emmanuel Macron say they will work together in leading discussions on free trade and other issues at the G20 summit in Osaka
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_41/
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005693828
2 APRIL 2019
France urges Brunei to drop anti-gay stoning law
France has called on the authorities in Brunei to scrap a law that would make adultery or gay sex punishable by death by stoning. The Sultanate maintains the death penalty, but no one has been executed since 1957
http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20190402-france-urges-brunei-drop-stoning-law-adultery-gay-sex
24 MARCH 2019
Xi meets Macron as French president seeks united EU front on China
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron met for dinner in the south of France Sunday ahead of official talks with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front to contend with Beijing’s advances
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/macron-looks-to-galvanise-eu-on-china-as-xi-visits-france/article/546039#ixzz5j7yxxaSV
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/36/18/236/1553400082457.html?newsId=65608
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3003078/chinese-president-xi-jinping-meets-french-president-emmanuel
11 FEBRUARY 2019
Australia, France ink US$35b submarine deal
Australia formally signed a A$50 billion (US$35 billion) “strategic partnership” with France to build 12 state of the art submarines on Monday, a signal of Canberra’s willingness to project power across the Pacific
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/2185698/australia-signs-us35-billion-submarine-deal-france-latest-bid
http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20190211-australia-and-france-sign-huge-submarine-deal
26 JANUARY 2019
France Takes Steps to Boost India’s Clout in Indian Ocean to Counter China
France is considered as an important player in the Indian Ocean region, where India is facing a heightened Chinese presence, according to France’s ambassador to India. Beijing has reportedly indicated a strategic shift to curb its troops on land and reallocate resources to its navy and air force
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201901261071821341-india-france-indian-oecan/
21 JANUARY 2019
Japan to share defense supplies with France and Canada
Japan plans to set up logistical support arrangements allowing the Self-Defense Forces to share common supplies with the French and Canadian militaries, part of efforts to bolster defenses in the Pacific region
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Japan-to-share-defense-supplies-with-France-and-Canada
13 JANUARY 2019
France returns to Laos
With a view to diversify foreign economic and foreign policy relations, Laos is developing contacts with France, whose colony it used to be in the past. Paris is seen as a remote neighbor of Laos, a partner in the economic and cultural spheres. Since 1991 Laos has been a member of the international organization for the cooperation of the francophone states “Francophone”. According to the French Embassy in Vientiane, the number of Laotians who speak French amounts to 3% and has been increasing over the past 12 years
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2019/01/13/france-returns-to-laos/
http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/Cooperation/Cooperation_France.php
11 JANUARY 2019
France to join North Korea surveillance at sea with Japanese navy
France Friday (Jan 11) agree to join Japanese navy patrols off North Korea in a fresh sign of efforts to deepen ties and military links between Tokyo and Paris, officials said
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/france-to-join-north-korea-surveillance-at-sea–11111648
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190112_05/
6 JANUARY 2019
UK’s hopes of Indo-Pacific strike group with France premature
While London and Paris have been supporting each other’s navies and venturing further afield, experts warn there are limits
http://www.atimes.com/article/uks-hopes-of-indo-pacific-strike-group-with-france-premature/
5 JANUARY 2018
French MP denounces China’s threat of force against Taiwan
French parliamentarian Jean-François Cesarini said Wednesday that China’s desire to go to war with Taiwan is unacceptable, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) warning the previous day that China reserves the right to use force against Taiwan
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201901030009.aspx
25 DECEMBER 2018
China accuses France of siding with its allies after Paris call for Canadians’ release
Beijing on Tuesday hit back at France for siding with its “allies”, as the list of countries calling for the release of two Canadians detained in China continues to grow
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2179462/china-accuses-france-siding-its-allies-after-paris-call
15 DECEMBER 2018
India, France hold talks on deepening bilateral ties
India and France on Saturday held discussions on deepening bilateral strategic partnership through cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, defence, space and civil nuclear energy sectors
http://www.asianage.com/india/politics/151218/india-france-hold-talks-on-deepening-bilateral-ties.html
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/pm-modi-meets-french-minister-le-drian201812151623130001/
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/india-france-reiterate-resolve-to-jointly-fight-terrorism-1.60956521
3 NOVEMBER 2018
Vietnam and France businesses ink agreements worth US$10 billion
Vietnam and France support the signing of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and commit to free trade, the government portal reported during the current visit by the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe to Vietnam
http://www.hanoitimes.vn/news/viet-nam/2018/11/81E0CEBD/vietnam-and-france-businesses-ink-agreements-worth-us-10-billion/
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2018/11/03/Vietnam-and-France-sign-deals-worth-over-%2410-billion
https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/politics/20181102/france-wants-vietnam-to-become-partner-of-reference-in-southeast-asia-pm-edouard-philippe/47494.html
http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20181103-french-pm-revisits-site-frances-painful-dien-bien-phu-defeat
29 OCTOBER 2018
China, France launch satellite to study climate change
China’s first-ever international cooperation satellite according to French space agency boss Jean-Yves Le Gall, took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in north-west China’s Gobi Desert
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/china–france-launch-satellite-to-study-climate-change-10875674
http://en.rfi.fr/20181029-china-france-launch-climate-change-watching-satellite/
19 OCTOBER 2018
France to send aircraft carrier to Indian Ocean next year
France said on Friday (Oct 19) it would send its aircraft carrier to the Indian Ocean next year, to defend freedom of navigation at a time of growing Chinese assertiveness in disputed waters
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/france-to-send-aircraft-carrier-to-indian-ocean-next-year-10846386
Abe, Macron meet in France
Presidents Moon and Macron second summit
Seoul asks Paris to assist in getting tariff exemptions
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/10/356_257028.html
30 SEPTEMBER 2018
France promises aid as Indonesia quake toll tops 800
France has promised aid to Indonesia after Friday’s earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi. The death toll rose to 832 on Sunday and is expected to rise, with three French nationals, one Malaysian and one South Korean among the missing
http://en.rfi.fr/20180930-indonesia-quake-and-tsunami-kills-over-400/
18 SEPTEMBER 2018
Vietnam and France sign statement on defence ties
Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngô Xuân Lịch and his French counterpart Florence Parly signed a joint vision statement on defence cooperation for 2018-28 at their talks in Paris
http://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/466081/vn-france-sign-statement-on-defence-ties.html#1teqd6sPgQx4C4yl.99
11 SEPTEMBER 2018
Taiwan President meets French parliamentary delegation
The event showed that both countries shared the same values of freedom and democracy, leading relations to be close and to progress continuously, the Central News Agency quoted Tsai as saying
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3527380
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3526531
5 AUGUST 2018
How the French military’s ‘political messengers’ are countering Beijing in the South China Sea
France’s air and sea presence in the region asserts its support for a maritime security order based on shared rules and norms, writes Mathieu Duchâtel
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2157702/how-french-militarys-political-messengers-are
Japan, France to cooperate on maritime security
The foreign ministers of Japan and France have agreed to launch a framework for dialogue on maritime security cooperation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180715_01/
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/14/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-france-sign-agreement-share-defense-supplies/#.W0pZLdIzY2w
Amid pomp and pageantry, PM Lee gets front-row seat to Bastille Day parade
In a first for a Singapore leader, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had a front-row seat to the French National Day parade on Saturday (July 14), joining a select group of world leaders accorded the rare honour
https://www.todayonline.com/world/amid-pomp-and-pageantry-pm-lee-gets-front-row-seat-bastille-day-parade
https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/rsaf-takes-part-in-flypast-at-french-national-day-parade-with-pm-lee-as-guest-of-honour
28 JUNE 2018
Hwang Sok-yong Wins French Prize for Asian Literature
Xi Jinping meets French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe
President Xi Jinping on Monday met with French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe in Beijing, saying China is willing to work with France to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries
http://chinaplus.cri.cn/news/politics/11/20180625/149127.html
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/26/c_137280241.htm
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2152433/china-expands-trade-france-bolster-european-ties-amid
19 JUNE 2018
France in S China Sea Puts Own Interests Instead of Countering Beijing – Analyst
France is present in the South China Sea to protect its own territorial interests rather than act as a counterweight to Beijing, French experts told Sputnik
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201806191065550871-france-china-sea-presence/
France, Britain to sail warships in contested South China Sea to challenge Beijing
France and Britain will sail warships through the South China Sea to challenge Beijing’s expanding military presence in the disputed waters, their defence ministers said on Sunday
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2149062/france-britain-sail-warships-contested-south-china-sea
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/france-urges-countries-to-respect-international-law-in-south-china-sea
31 MAY 2018
Scaling back of French reactor a blow for nuke fuel reprocessing
Japan’s hopes of keeping its nuclear fuel recycling program alive faces another major obstacle with signs from France that a reactor project there will be scaled back because of swelling construction costs
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201805310040.html
25 MAY 2018
Xi says he has full confidence in China-France ties
China is willing to work with France to enhance strategic coordination, stick to multilateralism, jointly address global challenges and promote world economic growth as well as facilitation and liberalization of trade and investment, so as to help safeguard a world order that should be peaceful, stable, open and inclusive, he said
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/64/239/236/1527254973071.html
17 MAY 2018
China, France agree on ‘three handles’ to boost cooperation
China and France have agreed to make use of “three handles” to comprehensively enhance practical cooperation between the two countries, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/158/6/64/1526568436925.html
2 MAY 2018
Australia, France sign agreements on military cooperation, cyberwar
Emmanuel Macron and Malcolm Turnbull have signed a series of agreements for closer military ties and cooperation on cyberwar, during the French leader’s Australian visit
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-france-sign-agreements-on-military-cooperation-cyberwar
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2144344/french-president-emmanuel-macron-vows-stand-against-chinese
1 MAY 2018
French President Emmanuel Macron in Australia for talks on trade, climate and defence
Fresh from his so-called “bromance” in Washington with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron is in Australia to bolster defence ties and continue his efforts to revive the fortunes of Europe
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/french-president-emmanuel-macron-in-australia-for-talks-on-trade-climate-and
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/french-president-macron-lands-in-sydney-for-talks-on-china-influence-trade
Taiwan, France team up to promote innovation collaboration
Taiwan should tap into France’s tech expertise as the two sides continue to boost exchanges through initiatives in the innovation industries, according to a CNA report published on Monday
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3418989
27 MARCH 2018
Vietnam, France mark 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam’s (CPV’s) Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng and French National Assembly (NA) President Francois de Rugy marked the anniversary of Vietnam-France ties
http://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/425208/vn-france-mark-45th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-ties.html#fTJlw10Brl3YfuSF.99
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/197968/party-chief-expects-french-enterprises-to-succeed-in-vietnam.html
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-france-vietnam-deals/frances-bouygues-edf-sign-deals-during-vietnam-leader-visit-idUKKBN1H320Q?rpc=401&
20 MARCH 2018
Indo-French naval exercise Varuna kicks off
The Indian and the French navies have launched Varuna 2018, a joint naval exercise, in Goa, India
https://navaltoday.com/2018/03/19/indo-french-naval-exercise-varuna-kicks-off-2/#.WrEsN6hDYM4.linkedin
French Navy ship visit to Philippines shows France commitment to security, freedom of navigation
The visit of a French Navy’s light patrol frigate to the Philippines shows France as a “Pacific power” that is committed to “security” and adherence to the principle of freedom of navigation in Southeast Asia, officials said after the Vendmiaire docked at a port in Manila on Monday
http://www.manilatimes.net/french-navy-ship-visit-to-ph-shows-france-commitment-to-security-freedom-of-navigation/385691
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/164912/philippines-france-south-china-sea-west-philippine-sea-military-cooperation-dispute-southeast-asia-defense-peace
10 MARCH 2018
Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron look to broaden ties as India, France ink 14 deals
India and France sign 14 pacts in areas ranging from defence to nuclear energy after extensive talks between PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/lLHqPt12U2iD0H4GKNCq6M/Emmanuel-Macron-India-visit-Indian-French-firms-sign-16-b.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/modi-macron-ink-14-pacts-to-boost-india-france-ties-cos-sign-16-bn-deals-118031000463_1.html
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/want-our-youth-to-recognise-indo-french-ties-pm-narendra-modi/1235515
Amid row over Rafale deal, India, France sign strategic defence pact on use of each other’s military bases
French President Emmanuel Macron has said defence ties with India had reached a new high after the two nations signed a key security accord for the Indian Ocean to counter China’s growing influence in the region
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/mar/10/amid-row-over-rafale-deal-india-france-sign-strategic-defence-pact-on-use-of-each-others-military-1785092.html
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/emmanuel-macron-india-visit-india-france-release-joint-statement-on-french-presidents-state-visit-1822217
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/india-france-security-accord-has-china-in-mind-10032788
http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2018/mar/09/rafale-deal-win-win-but-details-cant-be-revealed-french-president-emmanuel-macron-1784174.html
8 MARCH 2018
Nissan in talks to buy France’s Renault stake in merger prelude
Renault SA and alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. are discussing plans for a closer tie-up in which the Japanese carmaker would acquire the bulk of the French state’s 15 percent Renault stake, people close to the matter said
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/03/08/business/corporate-business/nissan-talks-buy-frances-renault-stake-merger-prelude/#.WqF2EOjOU2x
1 MARCH 2018
French President Emmanuel Macron’s maiden visit to India likely to lead to exciting military commerce
French President Emmanuel Macron’s maiden visit to India on December 8 is likely to be leavened by two exciting items of military commerce, the sale of three additional French submarines and orders for 36 more Rafale fighter aircraft
https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/up-front/story/20171120-french-president-emmanuel-macron-visit-india-military-commerce-1082490-2017-11-10
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/french-president-emmanuel-macron-s-four-day-visit-to-india-begins-on-march-9-1180398-2018-03-01
21 FEBRUARY 2018
Hong Kong public will get chance to board French navy frigate Vendémiaire during coming port call
Based in Nouméa in New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, the Vendémiaire is currently on a three-month Asian mission, which includes sailings to Indonesia, South Korea, mainland China and Guam
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2134087/hong-kong-public-will-get-chance-board-french-navy-frigate
20 FEBRUARY 2018
Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen conferred French Legion of Honour award
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen was conferred France’s highest award – Legion of Honour – awarded for both civilian and military merit regardless of citizenship, by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (Feb 19) in Paris
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/defence-minister-ng-eng-hen-conferred-french-legion-of-honour-9973070
27 JANUARY 2018
Japan, France reaffirm closer defense cooperation
The Japanese and French defense ministers reaffirmed closer defense cooperation in a meeting Saturday after agreeing the previous day to hold the countries’ first joint maritime defense exercises next month
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Japan-France-reaffirm-closer-defense-cooperation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180127_15/
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201801250039.html
9 JANUARY 2018
France’s Emmanuel Macron secures strategic access to Chinese markets
From high-end wine to the new “Silk Road,” France and China have agreed to enhance economic relations. For Beijing, that meant providing French companies better access to Chinese markets
http://www.dw.com/en/frances-emmanuel-macron-secures-strategic-access-to-chinese-markets/a-42084077
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/124/251/119/1515511101612.html
http://www.france24.com/en/20180109-france-china-macron-trade-markets-protectionism
5 JANUARY 2018
Macron’s upcoming China visit ‘of great significance’
French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to China, scheduled from January 8 to 10, is of great significance to bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily press briefing
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/232/187/241/1515152590848.html
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180105_11/