France is leveraging diplomacy, along with major defense and energy deals, to expand its role in Southeast Asia, but the longevity of its influence will hinge on maintaining naval and diplomatic engagement, delivering localized defense and maritime security benefits, and aligning with -- rather than disrupting -- regional strategic priorities. From May 25 to May 31, French President Emmanuel Macron conducted a high-profile diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, with state visits to Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore. First, Macron visited Vietnam from May 25 to 26, during which France and Vietnam signed approximately $10.25 billion worth of commercial deals, partnership agreements and memorandums of understanding. In Indonesia from May 27 to 29, Macron and President Prabowo Subianto deepened bilateral strategic ties, namely through Indonesia's confirmed acquisition of 42 Rafale fighter jets (from a 2022 agreement) and advanced discussions for 18 more, as well as two Scorpene Evolved submarines (to be constructed...
