France could access Australian military sites as countries look to boost ties

French warships and troops would be given guaranteed access to Australian naval bases and military sites under a proposal being discussed by both countries, as the federal government moves to lock in the next stage of its troubled $90 billion future submarine program next week.

….The talks could eventually pave the way for French naval ships to have a permanent presence at Australian naval bases or for troops to rotate through Australian training bases.

****

While France has been active in the region for decades with a focus on its island territories such as New Caledonia and French Polynesia, the country has been looking to ramp up its diplomatic and military presence in the Indo-Pacific amid increased Chinese assertiveness.