Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — Amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, the commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific on Wednesday expressed support for the rule of law in the region.

Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Final Word, Rear Admiral Geoffroy d'Andigné said the peace and stability in the region impacts the prosperity of other countries, including France.

“There’s something else at stake here. It’s a place that we need to support, if not defend, the rule of law and especially the law of the sea,” D'Andigné said.

“Asia is now the center of the world, so we need to take that into account. The prosperity of the world and the prosperity of Europe, prosperity of France is linked directly to the peace and security in that region and of course we get involved in that,” he added.

While the forces stationed in French Polynesia and New Caledonia are working to protect their overseas territory, D'Andigné said they are also patrolling other areas such as the South China Sea and the North China Sea.

He noted that the “deconstruction of rule-based order and freedom of navigation” is a big threat, not only in the Asia Pacific region, but to all other countries’ peace as well.

D'Andigné said France can offer its military and navy capabilities to offer “police work” in terms of maritime security in the South China Sea.

The French admiral also said they are willing to lend military assets to Manila and are “happy to help” if the need and opportunity arises.

The French Armed Forces arrived in the Philippines on Monday for a series of meetings with Philippine military and diplomatic officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. They are eyeing to improve defense cooperation between Paris and Manila.