Canada and the Philippines signed a key defence agreement on Sunday aimed at strengthening military ties and countering China’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, signed in Manila by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty, enables joint military drills, intelligence sharing, and coordinated disaster response between the two nations.

The move comes as both countries ramp up regional security efforts amid China’s intensified military presence in maritime zones claimed by multiple Southeast Asian governments. The Canadian pact mirrors similar defence agreements that the Philippines recently inked with Japan and New Zealand, reflecting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s strategy to boost the country’s defence capabilities through foreign alliances.

China, which lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, has yet to comment on the deal. However, Beijing has previously accused Manila of destabilizing the region with allied military exercises and maritime patrols. Tensions surged after Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons and aggressive maneuvers to block Philippine vessels, leading to injuries and ship damage.

The contested waters are also claimed in parts by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive maritime claims.

At a Southeast Asian defence summit in Malaysia, Teodoro denounced China’s recent move to declare a “nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal, calling it a masked attempt at territorial expansion. Canada also criticized China’s alleged use of environmental claims to justify occupation of strategic locations.

Under the new pact, Canada is set to further support the Philippines with technology like its Dark Vessel Detection System, which uses satellites to track ships that may be evading maritime laws.

Negotiations are underway between the Philippines and other Western nations including France, Singapore, and possibly Germany and India, for similar military agreements.