French and Philippine pilots held joint aerial drills over disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Footage shows their fighter jets flying side-by-side above the West Philippine Sea - the part of the South China Sea within Philippine territory - on February 21.

The French air assets had taken off from the Charles de Gaulle, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that docked at former US Naval base Subic Bay in the Philippines on Friday.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said in a statement: 'Operating alongside assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Navy, the PAF played a crucial role in enhancing aerial security and maritime domain awareness, reinforcing the nation's commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters and strengthening international defense partnerships.

'During this activity, the PAF deployed three FA-50PH fighter jets for maritime patrol, air defense drills, and tactical maneuvers, with Search and Rescue (SAR) Units on standby. These air assets seamlessly operated alongside Philippine Navy vessels and the French naval contingent, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other naval assets.'

The bilateral military drill was carried out on the third week of joint maritime activities between the Philippines and allied nations amid sweeping territorial claims made by China over the South China Sea.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire maritime region, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.