Canada and Philippines Forge Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions

The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a significant defense agreement that aims to enhance joint military readiness and strengthen security alliances against potential aggression from China. This development comes as both nations express strong opposition to China’s increasingly assertive actions in the contested South China Sea.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty will formalize the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement during a meeting in Manila on October 1, 2023. This pact is designed to facilitate greater cooperation between the two countries, allowing for joint large-scale combat exercises and providing a legal framework for the presence of foreign troops equipped with weapons.

The agreement aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s strategic efforts to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities as the nation grapples with a military imbalance in the region. Marcos has been actively pursuing partnerships with Western allies to enhance the Philippines’ military readiness amid concerns over China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.

China’s assertions over the waters, which serve as a crucial trade route, have drawn international scrutiny. This includes a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claims based on the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Despite this ruling, China continues to exert its influence, often resorting to aggressive tactics, including the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels, which has resulted in injuries to Filipino personnel.

Teodoro highlighted the importance of the new agreement, stating it would promote a rules-based international order and counter attempts by powerful nations to redefine norms for their own advantage. He emphasized that fostering strong alliances is crucial for smaller countries facing threats in contested regions.

The partnership with Canada marks the third defense agreement signed under Marcos’ administration, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Ongoing discussions are also underway with France and Singapore for comparable agreements, with aspirations to negotiate with the United Kingdom, Germany, and India.

At a recent meeting of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in Malaysia, Teodoro condemned China’s announcement to establish a “nature reserve” in the Scarborough Shoal. This area, which is rich in fishing resources, is claimed by both the Philippines and China. Teodoro described the move as a veiled attempt to assert military dominance and undermine the rights of smaller nations.

Canada has been vocal in its opposition to China’s maneuvers in the South China Sea. Following China’s announcement in September regarding the Scarborough Shoal, Canadian officials criticized the tactic of using environmental protection as a pretext for control. Canada’s Ambassador to Manila, David Hartman, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to confronting China’s “provocative and unlawful actions” in the region.

In addition to the defense pact, Canada and the Philippines have previously entered into agreements aimed at enhancing military cooperation. In 2023, Canada provided the Philippines with access to its Dark Vessel Detection System, a satellite technology designed to track illegal fishing vessels, further supporting the Philippines’ capabilities to monitor Chinese activities in the area.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve in the Indo-Pacific, the defense agreement between Canada and the Philippines represents a strategic step towards reinforcing regional security and collaborative defense efforts against potential threats.