In an unmistakable sign of the growing internationalization of the South China Sea disputes, France has just confirmed the deployment of a nuclear attack submarine and naval vessel to the hotly contested waters. In a tweet earlier this week, France’s Defense Minister Florence Parly announced that the European power has deployed the nuclear attack submarine Émeraude along with naval support ship Seine to the maritime area to “affirm that international law is the only rule that is valid, whatever the sea where we sail.” “This extraordinary patrol just completed its passage in the South China Sea,” declared the French defense chief following its unprecedented military maneuvers in Asian waters this week.

Heydarian, R. J. (2021, February 13 - 14). France wades into South China Sea against China. Daily Guardian, p. 5.