Canada, Philippines sign defense pact to deter Chinese aggression

Canada and the Philippines, staunch critics of China's increasingly assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea, signed a landmark defense agreement on Sunday aimed at boosting war games and expanding security alliances to deter aggression, officials said.

Canada and other Western countries are increasing their military presence in the Indo-Pacific to help promote the rule of law and expand trade and investment in the region. This strategy is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s efforts to build defense ties with other countries to help the Philippines' underfunded military counter a militarily superior China in the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from China, which has accused the Philippines of being "provocative" and "harming regional stability" after joint patrols and war games with the United States and other countries in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims virtually the entirety of the waterway, a major trade route, despite a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated those claims based on a 1982 UN convention.

China has rejected the decision and has used powerful water cannons and dangerous obstruction maneuvers against Philippine coast guard and other vessels, resulting in collisions and injuries to crew members. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have also been involved in long-running territorial disputes.

The Philippines says China seeks to expand its territory.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with his Canadian counterpart, David McGuinty, after a closed-door meeting in Manila on Sunday.

McGinty said the agreement would promote cooperation in joint military training, information-sharing, and emergency response, including dealing with natural disasters.

Teodoro told reporters the agreement would be crucial to promoting a rules-based international order in a region threatened by Chinese aggression. "Who has hegemony? Who wants to expand their territory in the world? China," Teodoro said.

Such agreements provide a legal framework for visits by foreign troops to any country for large-scale joint exercises.