.jpg)
14 hours ago
4
Article content
(Bloomberg) — The Philippines and Canada signed a visiting forces agreement on Sunday, the latest military pact struck by Manila as it builds a coalition of allies to deter what it sees as Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is Canada’s first such military pact with an Indo-Pacific nation, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a joint briefing with his Canadian counterpart David McGuinty.
Article content
Article content
“Today is a great day for both of our nations,” McGuinty said. The agreement, which will facilitate joint combat drills between the two countries, also “reflects a deeper truth that peace is built on rules and not recklessness, and that stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation,” he added.
Article content
Article content
McGuinty said Canada hopes to be present at next year’s annual flagship military drills by the Philippines and the US, Manila’s long-time ally. The Philippines earlier forged similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand and is eyeing agreements with France and the UK.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Teodoro said the latest agreement would allow the two countries to “work together not only bilaterally but with other like-minded partners to preserve and enforce peace and stability, to deter instability.”
Article content
On Friday, Teodoro said the Philippines and the US need to “cooperate on a more deterrent posture” to face down mutual threats amid worsening relations with Beijing. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth the same day announced a new task force with the Philippines that’s meant to bolster their alliance.
Article content
The Philippines and China have been at odds over competing claims in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that he hopes the new task force will “lower tensions” in the contested waters.
Article content
Last month, the Philippines accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming a government vessel in the South China Sea. Beijing said it expelled ships that had entered waters near the Spratly Islands.
Article content
Sunday’s defense deal comes amid growing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Canada, home to nearly 1 million Filipino migrants. Both countries are also in talks for a free trade agreement.
Article content
—With assistance from Cliff Venzon.
Article content
English (US)