**Canada and Philippines to Sign Defense Pact Amid South China Sea Tensions** MANILA, Philippines — Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a significant defense agreement on Sunday aimed at enhancing joint military readiness and expanding security alliances. This pact comes as both nations express strong opposition to China's assertive actions in the contested South China Sea, according to Philippine officials. The agreement will facilitate joint combat drills and strengthen military cooperation, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s strategy to bolster the Philippines' defense capabilities against a more powerful China. Canada, along with other Western countries, has been increasing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region to uphold international law and promote trade and investment. China has not responded to the announcement but has previously labeled the Philippines a "troublemaker" for conducting joint military exercises with the United States and other allies in the South China Sea. Beijing claims nearly the entire waterway, despite a 2016 international ruling that rejected its claims based on the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chinese government has dismissed this ruling and has engaged in aggressive tactics, including using water cannons and blocking maneuvers against Philippine vessels, leading to minor collisions and injuries among Filipino personnel. Other nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, are also involved in ongoing territorial disputes in the region. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is expected to sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty in Manila. This agreement will provide a legal framework for the temporary presence of foreign troops and allow for large-scale military exercises in both countries. The Philippines previously signed its first defense pact with the United States in 1998, followed by an agreement with Australia in 2007. The upcoming agreement with Canada will be the third signed under President Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Discussions are ongoing with France and Singapore for additional agreements, and negotiations may soon begin with the United Kingdom, Germany, and India. During a recent meeting of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia, Teodoro criticized China's announcement of a "nature reserve" in the Scarborough Shoal, a fishing area claimed by both the Philippines and China. He described the move as a potential display of military power that threatens the rights of smaller nations. Canada has also condemned China's actions, particularly its attempts to control Scarborough under the guise of environmental protection. In September, when Chinese vessels attempted to drive away Philippine ships from the shoal, Canada expressed concern over the use of water cannons, which injured a Filipino fisheries officer. Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman stated that Canada has been vocal in addressing China's provocative actions in the South China Sea and will continue to do so. Last year, Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, and in 2023, Canada provided the Philippines access to its "Dark Vessel Detection System," which uses satellite technology to track illegal vessels, even when they disable their location devices. The Philippine coast guard has utilized this technology to monitor Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.