At least 141 people participated in a conference organized by anti-imperialist groups in Paris on January 26 to condemn France for its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The conference was organized by the Committee of Support the Revolution in the Philippines (CSRP), Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS), the Parisian Cell of Mobilization for Kanaky (CMPK), Ka Ubuntu, and Bahaghari-France.

The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) second vice-chairperson for internal affairs Victor Garces explained in a speech that this French strategy can be traced back to the “pivot to Asia” policy of the United States, which was first implemented in 2008. He stated that “the true purpose of the French Indo-Pacific strategy is to side with the US in the preparation of the US-China war, where the Philippines will serve as a battleground.”

The conference also discussed how the French government uses its colonies, such as Kanaky (New Caledonia) and Réunion Island, to legitimize and implement its Indo-Pacific policy. The organizations analyzed the impact of this policy on Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Indian Ocean and proposed ways to cooperate and resist it.

The discussions focused on liberation movements being carried out in French territories. Likewise, they talked about the urgent need to mobilize the French people to unite and oppose imperialist policies.

From April 2024 to May 2024, French armed forces participated for the first time in the Balikatan war games between the Philippines and the US held in Philippine territory. France also joined war games with Japan in OGURI-VERNY 24-3 to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific” in July 2024. Additionally, France participated in air force war games in Australia from July 2024 to August 2024.

In January, the French Carrier Strike Group led the multinational war games La Perouse 25 in Southeast Asia. It also participated in Exercise Pacific Steller 2025 in the Philippine Sea with military forces from the US, Japan, and the Philippines in February.

The conference also highlighted the topic of liberation movements in the Philippines led by the Communist Party of the Philippines with broad support from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Speakers on this topic emphasized the interconnectedness of movements worldwide to combat and strike a blow against imperialism.

The CSRP, a group supporting the people’s war in the Philippines, shared the importance of strengthening unity and alliance work among anti-imperialist groups amid coordinated measures and repression by imperialist countries against peoples.

The conference concluded with a communal meal and interaction among delegates. This deepened their discussions and understanding of one another. The organizers considered the conference as an “important step” toward uniting anti-imperialist forces and advancing struggles against imperialism.