The Philippines has taken another significant step in strengthening its defense partnerships with Western allies, this time through a newly signed agreement with Canada. The Canada Deal, part of the broader Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) framework, will allow for greater military cooperation between the two nations, including joint training exercises and enhanced interoperability. This comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has been locked in a bitter territorial dispute with China. While this agreement with Canada is an important milestone, it is also part of a broader strategic shift—one that signals Manila’s increasing willingness to diversify its security partnerships beyond the United States.
A Broader Network of Allies
The Philippines’ defense strategy is no longer centered solely around the United States. Recent months have seen Manila aggressively pursuing new alliances, particularly with like-minded nations that share concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the region. The Canada deal follows similar agreements with Japan, Australia, and France, all of which have recently ramped up military ties with the Philippines.
The joint military drills with France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in Subic Bay exemplify this growing defense web. France, which has its own Indo-Pacific interests due to its territories in the region, has been eager to bolster maritime security cooperation with Manila. This shift is strategic—by working with multiple Western nations, the Philippines is reducing its dependence on the United States while sending a strong message to Beijing that any escalation will be met with coordinated international resistance.
The Canada Agreement: More Than Symbolic?
While the agreement with Canada is certainly a diplomatic win, its immediate practical impact may be limited. Canada does not have the same military footprint in the Indo-Pacific as the U.S. or even France, and its naval deployments in the region have been sporadic. However, Canada has a vested interest in upholding the rules-based international order, especially as China’s assertiveness threatens global trade routes. The Canada deal could be a stepping stone for deeper cooperation, possibly including intelligence-sharing and joint maritime patrols in the future.
One major advantage of the Canada deal is the alignment of values-based diplomacy—both countries are vocal advocates of human rights, democracy, and international law. This could lead to a stronger diplomatic front against Chinese aggression, particularly in multilateral forums like the United Nations and ASEAN.
Manila’s Newfound Assertiveness
A key driver behind these new alliances is Manila’s evolving foreign policy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His administration has been explicit that its actions in the South China Sea are guided by national interest, not external pressures. This marks a significant departure from the appeasement tactics of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who sought closer ties with Beijing.
In recent months, the Philippines has actively confronted Chinese maritime encroachments, refusing to back down in heated encounters over contested waters. The use of civilian resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) is a prime example of this defiance. With growing military support from allies, Manila is making it clear that it will not be bullied into submission.
The Bigger Picture: A Stronger Indo-Pacific Coalition
The Canada deal is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The Philippines is now firmly positioning itself within a coalition of nations seeking to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Alongside its existing Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S., Manila is leveraging new and renewed alliances to bolster its security and diplomatic standing. The question now is whether these partnerships will translate into tangible deterrence.
As Beijing continues to test the waters—both literally and figuratively—Manila’s expanding defense network will be crucial. Whether Canada’s involvement will evolve into something more than symbolic remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the Philippines is no longer standing alone.
