France sees the protection of freedom of the seas as critical, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said during the 15th Asia Security Summit held in Singapore on Sunday. He added that a loss of such rights in the South China Sea may lead to similar problems closer to Europe, in the Arctic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea.
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| French Navy La Fayette-class frigate Guepratte (F 714) on patrol with the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the South China Sea in May 2016. Picture: French Navy |