The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a significant defense agreement aimed at enhancing joint combat readiness and fortifying security alliances against China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea. The signing, scheduled for September 24, 2023, comes as both nations express growing concerns over China’s assertive actions in the region, which have raised tensions among neighboring countries.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will officially sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with his Canadian counterpart, David McGuinty, during a meeting in Manila. This agreement will provide a legal framework for joint military exercises and the temporary deployment of foreign troops, including those armed with weapons, in each other’s territories.
Strengthening Alliances Against Aggression
The defense pact reflects a broader strategy by the Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to bolster international defense ties amid a backdrop of heightened military activity from China in contested waters. The Philippines has been working to enhance its military capabilities, which have historically been underfunded, to effectively confront a militarily superior China.
Teodoro emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating it will contribute to a rules-based international order and counteract efforts by powerful nations to alter norms for their own advantage. He remarked that such agreements are crucial for regional stability and security.
The Philippine government has been proactive in pursuing similar agreements, having established defense pacts with Japan and New Zealand earlier in Marcos’s administration. Ongoing discussions with nations such as France and Singapore may lead to further collaborations.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The signing of this agreement coincides with rising tensions in the South China Sea, particularly regarding China’s recent claim to establish a “nature reserve” in the contested Scarborough Shoal. Teodoro condemned this move as an attempt to exert military influence and undermine the rights of smaller nations relying on the area for fishing and resources.
In September, Canada publicly criticized China’s attempt to use environmental protection as a pretext for asserting control over Scarborough Shoal. The Canadian government expressed its concerns over China’s aggressive actions, including incidents where Chinese vessels used water cannons against Philippine ships, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel.
Canadian Ambassador to Manila, David Hartman, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to addressing China’s assertive behavior in the region. He stated that Canada has been vocal in confronting provocative actions and intends to maintain a strong stance on the issue.
In addition, Canada has previously signed agreements with the Philippines, including a 2022 defense cooperation pact and a recent accord granting the Philippines access to Canada’s “Dark Vessel Detection System.” This technology aids in tracking illegal fishing vessels, even if they turn off their location-transmitting devices, and has already been utilized by the Philippine coast guard to monitor Chinese maritime activities.
As both countries move forward with this defense pact, their collaboration may play a critical role in shaping the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by China’s maritime assertiveness.
