France Declares Its Own Security Strategy Independent of the United States

France has upheld a security strategy for over six decades rooted in nuclear deterrence and its own armed forces, not just in its alliance with the US, as its defence minister declared at a major international security forum.

France’s Six Decade Security Doctrine Stands Firm

France has consistently followed an independent defence doctrine for more than 60 years. French Minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin made this clear at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. She stated that the country’s security policy rests on two core pillars.

“France has followed the same strategy for the past 60 years. It is built on our sovereignty, which rests on two pillars nuclear deterrence and conventional armed forces,” said Vautrin.

Defence Budget Has Doubled Over the Past Decade

Paris has not only maintained its doctrine but actively backed it with funding. According to Vautrin, France doubled its defence budget over the past ten years. This reflects a serious and sustained commitment to military self-reliance.

France’s Defence Ties Extend Far Beyond Washington

Vautrin also pointed out that France and the United States share more than 250 years of bilateral ties. However, she made clear that French defence policy goes well beyond its relationship with Washington.

“Defence agreements are not always tied to the United States. We have defence agreements with the UAE, Qatar, and many other countries in the Middle East,” she noted.

The Shangri-La Dialogue forum is taking place in Singapore. It brings together defence ministers, military officials, and representatives from dozens of countries around the world.