In a significant move to counter China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a pivotal defense agreement on Sunday. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA) will facilitate joint military exercises and enhance security cooperation between the two nations, according to Philippine officials. This agreement underscores Canada’s broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to fortify the Philippines’ defense capabilities against China’s growing influence in the disputed waters. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting its claims, has not yet commented on the development. The Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, including dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel. The SVFA, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian counterpart David McGuinty, will take effect after ratification. This marks the Philippines’ third such agreement under Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Talks are also underway with France, Singapore, the UK, Germany, and India for comparable defense collaborations. At a recent ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting, Teodoro condemned China’s plan to establish a ‘nature reserve’ in the Scarborough Shoal, calling it a veiled attempt to assert military dominance. Canada has consistently criticized China’s actions in the region, including its use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. Last year, Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, granting the Philippines access to Canada’s advanced ‘Dark Vessel Detection System,’ which has been instrumental in tracking Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
Canada and Philippines to sign defense pact to boost combat drills and deter China’s aggression
