Canada and Philippines sign defense pact to boost drills, deter China’s aggression World Nov 2, 2025 2:21 PM EST

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Canada and the Philippines, both staunch critics of China’s increasingly coercive actions in the disputed South China Sea, signed a key defense agreement on Sunday to boost combat drills and expand security alliances to deter aggression, officials said.

Canada and other Western nations have been bolstering their military presence in the Indo-Pacific to help promote the rule of law and expand trade and investment in the region. The strategy dovetails with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ’s efforts to build defense ties with other countries to help the Philippines’ underfunded military face a militarily superior China in the disputed waters.

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