Philippines and Canada set to sign major military agreement

The Philippines and Canada are ready to sign a new Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, marking a major step forward in their growing defence ties. This deal aims to boost military collaboration and enhance the interoperability of their forces, a crucial move in the face of increasing regional security challenges (via Reuters).

Both nations view this as a cornerstone for greater peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, with the Philippines highlighting its importance for bilateral relations. Canada has been a strong ally in supporting the Philippines' stance in the South China Sea, and this agreement builds on previous cooperation, such as sharing advanced technology to fight illegal fishing.

The Philippines, expanding its network of defence partnerships, also signed similar agreements with other countries, including New Zealand and Japan, reinforcing its commitment to regional security and stability. For now, it remains to be seen how these new alliances will reshape the security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.