Canada and Philippines Strengthen Defence Ties Against Beijing in South China Sea

The Philippines and Canada signed a defence pact on November 2, 2025, in Manila, expanding joint military drills and deepening security cooperation in the region. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) after a closed-door meeting in Manila. According to Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty, the deal would strengthen joint training, information sharing, and coordination during humanitarian crises and natural disasters. "This agreement will enhance our cooperation on defence and security issues, and we look forward to working closely with the Philippines to address common challenges," McGuinty said. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr echoed McGuinty's sentiments, stating that the pact would "strengthen our bilateral defence cooperation and enhance our capacity to respond to emerging security threats." The agreement is widely seen as a response to China's growing assertiveness in the region, particularly in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines has been a vocal critic of China's actions in the area, and the country has sought to strengthen its ties with other nations to counterbalance China's influence. The SOVFA is expected to facilitate increased military cooperation between the Philippines and Canada, including joint exercises and training programs. The South China Sea has been a source of tension in the region for years, with multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, claiming sovereignty over various islands and reefs. China's construction of artificial islands and deployment of military assets in the area have raised concerns among regional nations and the international community. The Philippines has accused China of ramming and damaging a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in the region. The signing of the SOVFA marks a significant development in the Philippines' efforts to strengthen its security ties with other nations. The agreement is expected to enhance the country's capacity to respond to emerging security threats, including those posed by China's growing assertiveness in the region. As the situation in the South China Sea continues to evolve, the Philippines and Canada will likely play a key role in shaping the region's security landscape. In related news, the Philippines has accused China of ramming and damaging a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in the region. The incident has sparked concerns among regional nations and the international community, and is likely to be a major topic of discussion at upcoming regional security meetings. The signing of the SOVFA is seen as a key step in the Philippines' efforts to strengthen its security ties with other nations and counterbalance China's influence in the region.