The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on its front page that Canada has become the fifth ally to sign a defense agreement with the Philippines.
This North American country has become the fifth nation to sign an Agreement on the Status of Visiting Forces (SOVFA) with the Philippines, following the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The Philippines is currently negotiating a similar agreement with France.
Canada and the Philippines signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on November 2, 2025, which provides a legal framework for the two countries' armed forces to participate in military exercises in each other's countries, and strengthens cooperation in areas such as joint training and information sharing.
This agreement is the first of its kind that Canada has signed with a country in the Indian Ocean-Pacific region, clearly allowing the Canadian military to participate in Philippine military exercises, and allowing the Philippine military to take part in Canadian military exercises. Both sides also plan to strengthen coordination mechanisms in dealing with humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
The signing of this agreement comes at a time when bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada are continuing to improve, with both countries negotiating a free trade agreement, and with nearly one million Canadian immigrants residing in the Philippines. Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro stated that the agreement will allow the two countries to work with other allies to maintain regional stability and "contain destabilizing factors."
Analysts believe that this agreement is a continuation of the Philippines' "great power balancing" strategy, aimed at countering China by introducing external powers. Previously, the Philippines had signed similar agreements with the United States, Australia, and Japan, and plans to purchase Japanese frigates to enhance its military capabilities.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1847728828845056/
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