March 7, 2025 – In a significant step toward bolstering military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, Canada and the Philippines have reached the final stages of negotiating a key defense pact, as announced by Canadian Ambassador to Manila, David Hartman, on Friday. This agreement, known as the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), is poised to enhance joint military exercises between the two nations and reinforce their collective stance against escalating tensions in the South China Sea, particularly in response to China’s assertive actions in the disputed waterway.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment as the Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been intensifying efforts to counter China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea—a vital global trade route where Beijing’s coast guard and naval fleets have clashed repeatedly with Philippine vessels. Canada, aligning with its broader strategy to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, has expressed solidarity with the Philippines, condemning China’s “provocative and unlawful actions” in the region.
The defense pact, expected to be signed imminently, will provide a legal framework for Canadian troops to conduct larger and more frequent military drills with their Philippine counterparts. This builds on existing cooperation, including a notable instance in August 2024 when Canada joined the United States, Australia, and the Philippines in air and naval maneuvers aimed at promoting freedom of navigation and the rule of law in the South China Sea. The new agreement will grant limited immunity to Canadian soldiers while on official missions in the Philippines, facilitating smoother collaboration.
“We have been vocal in confronting the provocative and unlawful actions of the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea,” Ambassador Hartman stated, using the Philippine term for its maritime territory. “We will continue to do so.” His remarks underscore Canada’s commitment to supporting its allies in upholding international maritime norms, a stance that has drawn ire from Beijing, which conducted its own air and sea patrols in response to the multinational drills last year.
The pact builds on previous agreements, including a 2023 defense cooperation deal and a separate accord granting the Philippines access to Canada’s “Dark Vessel Detection System.” This satellite-based technology helps track illegal vessels that disable their location-transmitting devices—a tactic Philippine authorities have accused Chinese ships of employing to evade surveillance in contested waters.
Rising Tensions in the South China Sea
The South China Sea remains a flashpoint of geopolitical tension, with China claiming virtually the entire waterway despite overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Confrontations have intensified over the past two years, particularly around disputed areas like Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese forces have harassed Philippine vessels and disrupted resupply missions. In response, the Philippines has ramped up multinational patrols with allies including the United States, Japan, France, Australia, and now Canada.
China’s actions—ranging from water cannon attacks to dangerous aerial maneuvers—have prompted Manila to seek stronger security partnerships. The Philippines currently has visiting forces agreements only with the United States and Australia, making the impending deal with Canada a notable expansion of its defense network. For Canada, the pact aligns with its Indo-Pacific strategy to promote stability, expand trade, and counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Implications and Next Steps
The Canada-Philippines defense pact is expected to pave the way for more Canadian forces to participate in joint exercises in the Philippines, enhancing interoperability between the two militaries. While specific details of the agreement’s implementation remain forthcoming, its timing sends a clear message of unity amid regional uncertainty.
Beijing, which has accused the Philippines of “colluding with outside countries” to undermine its interests, is likely to view this development as a further challenge to its dominance in the South China Sea. In August 2024, China responded to a similar multinational exercise by staging its own patrols, signaling its intent to maintain control over the disputed waters.
For the Philippines, the agreement with Canada represents not only a military boost but also a diplomatic win as it seeks to internationalize its struggle against China’s maritime claims. Under Marcos Jr.’s leadership, Manila has adopted a more assertive approach, leveraging alliances to deter aggression and protect its sovereign rights.