On Sunday, the Philippines and Canada formalized a visiting forces agreement, further strengthening Manila’s network of defense partnerships amid escalating tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
Under the agreement, Canadian troops will be allowed to take part in ground-based exercises in the Philippines, extending existing collaboration in joint maritime patrols with the US, Australia, and Japan.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said the accord reinforces defense cooperation and supports Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at sustaining a “forward presence in the region.”
He also announced that Canada intends to participate in the Philippines’ Balikatan drills next spring.
The Philippines, a key US ally, has recently signed a similar deal with New Zealand and continues discussions with France while maintaining existing defense accords with Washington, Canberra, and Tokyo.
