The Philippines and Canada signed a visiting forces agreement on Sunday, broadening Manila’s defense ties as tensions with China continue to rise in the South China Sea.
The new accord enables Canadian forces to take part in joint land exercises in the Philippines, complementing ongoing maritime patrols conducted with the US, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said the deal deepens military cooperation and aligns with Ottawa’s Indo-Pacific strategy focused on maintaining a “forward presence in the region.”
He confirmed that Canada will join the Philippines’ annual Balikatan exercises next spring.
A US treaty ally, Manila recently concluded a similar pact with New Zealand and already holds agreements with the US, Australia, and Japan. Negotiations for a parallel deal with France are underway.
