Canada and Philippines Military Exercises: Canada and the Philippines are close to finalizing a defense agreement that will allow expanded military exercises in the South China Sea. This move comes as Canada strengthens its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and supports the rule of law while increasing trade and investment.
The Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has also been working to deepen defense partnerships with friendly nations to reinforce its maritime security against China’s growing assertiveness.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, confirmed that discussions on a visiting forces agreement were nearly complete. Speaking aboard the Royal Canadian Navy’s frigate, HMCS Ottawa, during a visit to Manila, Hartman emphasized that the agreement would enhance joint military training and cooperation with Philippine forces and other allied nations.
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“This will allow us to take part in more extensive exercises and operations with our partners in the region,” he said. The Canadian warship is set to participate in an upcoming joint exercise in Philippine waters.
The Philippine military has been conducting joint patrols and training drills with several nations, including the U.S., Japan, France, Australia, and Canada. These activities have angered China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea. China has deployed coast guard ships and naval vessels to enforce its territorial claims, often leading to confrontations with Philippine forces.
In August last year, Canada joined the U.S., Australia, and the Philippines in maritime exercises promoting open sea lanes and the rule of law. China responded with its own naval patrols, and although no direct clashes occurred, Philippine officials reported that Chinese navy ships closely monitored the drills.
Hartman reiterated Canada’s firm stance on the issue. “We will continue to speak out against China’s provocative and unlawful actions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea,” he said, reported by News 18.
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Last year, t Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, and another deal was made in 2023 to give Manila access to Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection System. This technology uses satellites to track illegal ships, even when they disable their tracking devices. The Philippine coast guard has repeatedly accused Chinese vessels of turning off their location signals to avoid detection in disputed waters.
Right now the Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the U.S. and Australia. A similar deal was signed with Japan last year and is awaiting ratification in the Japanese parliament. Manila is also negotiating defense agreements with France and New Zealand, further expanding its military partnerships in response to regional security challenges.
