The Indo-Pacific: a priority for France

France’s Indo‑Pacific strategy was initially drafted in 2018 and 2019 at the initiative of the French President. It was first made official in an interministerial public communication document that was published in 2021 and updated in 2022. It has now been updated once again, alongside the national strategic review, in order to address recent geopolitical upheaval, take stock of progress in implementation, and renew its priorities.

This update is built on one constant: France’s singular position in the Indo-Pacific that is based on its requirement of strategic autonomy, on its status as an Indo-Pacific nation, thanks to its overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and on its activities in the region. France positions itself as a force for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity, with four key priorities:
1. Strengthening the central role of France’s overseas departments, regions and communities;
2. Consolidating sovereignty partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries;
3. Supporting multilateralism and the structuring of regional organizations;
4. Contributing actively to the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific that was published in September 2021.

A crucial region given global challenges

The Indo-Pacific region, which stretches from the coast of Africa to the Pacific Ocean, is of key importance for France given its potential for growth and innovation and the major geopolitical stakes there.

For France, the Indo-Pacific is a geographic reality. It is present there through its overseas departments, regions and communities, which are home to 1.8 million French citizens and which account for more than 90% of France’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which is the second-largest worldwide at 10.2 km².

It is clear that the region is the centre of gravity of global strategic competition today. The rise of China has shaken up traditional balances. While a certain number of threats remain, such as nuclear proliferation, transnational organized crime, jihadist terrorism, piracy and illegal fishing, Chinese-American competition is intensifying and generating new tensions.

The Indo-Pacific, the global economy’s centre of gravity

The global economy’s centre of gravity has shifted towards the Indo-Pacific. Six members of the G20 (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea) are located in the region.

The region’s shipping lanes have become predominant, and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the region contributes to more than 35% of global wealth and 70% of growth. Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts suggest that the region may account for more than 52% of global GDP by 2050.

The Indo-Pacific also remains highly vulnerable when it comes to environmental and climate challenges. It is home to major CO2 emitters, while island States in both oceans face a direct existential threat from climate change.

To learn more, download the strategy and related fact sheets