France is set to deploy its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, on an extensive mission likely to include a historic visit to Japan, signaling support for allies and caution to regional powers, particularly China.

The multi-month Clemenceau 25 mission will cover the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia, with planned port visits to the Philippines and Japan and joint exercises with regional partners like Japan, India, and Australia.

The deployment aims to reinforce France’s commitment to a free Indo-Pacific and international sanctions enforcement, with possible operations near North Korea and the Taiwan Strait, the South China Morning Post has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley