【Text by Observers Network, Liu Bai】Is Canada also trying to interfere in the South China Sea? On November 2 local time, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro and Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty held a closed-door meeting in Manila and signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOVFA). Analysts generally believe that the two countries' enhanced defense cooperation aims to counter China.

According to Bloomberg, this defense agreement signed on Sunday comes at a time when bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada are continuously warming up. There are nearly one million Filipino immigrants in Canada, and the two countries are currently negotiating a free trade agreement.

The defense ministers of the two countries stated at a joint press conference that the agreement signed this time is the first such military agreement signed by Canada with a country in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Today is a great day for both our countries," said McGuinty. The agreement will strengthen joint training, information sharing, and coordination during humanitarian crises and natural disasters. At the same time, "it reflects a deeper truth - peace is built on rules, not recklessness; stability comes from cooperation, not confrontation."

McGuinty also said that Canada hopes to participate in the major annual military exercises hosted by the Philippines and its long-term ally the United States next year.

Teodoro said that this latest agreement will allow the two countries not only to conduct bilateral cooperation but also to work with like-minded partners to jointly maintain and enforce peace and stability and curb instability factors.

On November 2, in Manila, Philippines, Canadian Defense Minister McGuinty (left) and Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro signed the agreement. Visual China

The Canadian Royal Navy has been conducting joint maritime patrols in the region with the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Philippines since last year.

This latest Status of Forces Agreement provides a legal framework for the Canadian military to participate in military exercises in the Philippines and for the Philippine military to take part in exercises in Canada. The Philippines had previously signed similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

Teodoro recently claimed that the Philippines and the United States need to take a more deterrent cooperative approach in dealing with the increasingly tense relationship with China. US Defense Secretary Austin also announced the establishment of a new joint task force to operate with the Philippines, aimed at strengthening the bilateral alliance. Philippine President Marcos said on November 1 that he hopes the new task force can "ease" tensions in the region.

In addition to luring external forces to speak out, the Philippines, which relies on foreign powers to create chaos, has also frequently reported news about purchasing military equipment from abroad.

Philippine Navy Commander Espelleta disclosed at a hearing on October 7 that the Philippines plans to purchase a batch of Japanese "Asakura"-class frigates. Even if it cannot obtain all six, the Philippines hopes to get three of them. However, this deal still faces restrictions such as outdated ships and the need to remove weapons. Nevertheless, some Philippine legislators have openly criticized, saying, "Beggars cannot be choosers."

In April, the U.S. Department of State announced that it had approved the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment such as missiles, radars, and spare engines to the Philippines at a price of 5.6 billion dollars. However, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Romulo recently stated that due to financial issues, the Philippine government has postponed the plan to purchase American fighter jets.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue in May, the defense ministers of the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines colluded, expressing serious concerns over China's "coercive" and "militant" methods of "unilaterally changing the status quo" in the East and South China Seas. They stated that they would continue to strengthen maritime defense cooperation against China.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that forming group politics and bloc confrontation is a Cold War mentality, which is contrary to the trend of the times and not welcomed by regional countries. It neither solves problems nor intimidates China. The Chinese side's determination and will to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are unwavering. We urge the United States and its allies to stop defaming, distorting facts, and shifting blame on maritime issues, stop forming various exclusionary "small circles," and stop interfering with the efforts of relevant parties to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation and maintain regional peace and stability.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7568277943240180278/

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