Canada and Philippines Near Defense Pact Amid Rising South China Sea Tensions

Canada and the Philippines are finalizing a defense pact that will empower both nations to conduct larger military drills in the increasingly contested South China Sea, according to Canadian Ambassador David Hartman. This agreement aligns with Canada's broader strategy to reinforce its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, as it seeks to counter China's "provocative and unlawful actions," Hartman stated.

The negotiations come as the Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., works to strengthen defense ties with several allies, ensuring better external protection against an assertive China. Following joint military exercises last year with the United States, Japan, and Australia, the Philippines aims to expand these collaborations further. The anticipated pact will facilitate more substantive participation of Canadian forces in training exercises with Philippine troops and other allies.

This move is particularly relevant in light of China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, which are contested by multiple Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam. Such collaborations have given rise to tensions, with China conducting military patrols in response to these exercises.