By Manolo Serapio Jr.

On November 2, 2025, the Philippines and Canada signed a visiting forces agreement, marking another step for Manila in its effort to create a coalition of allies to counter what it views as Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

This Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is Canada's first military pact with any Indo-Pacific nation, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who spoke at a joint briefing with his Canadian counterpart, David McGuinty.

McGuinty expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Today is a great day for both of our nations.” He noted that the agreement will enable joint military exercises, emphasizing that it demonstrates the importance of building peace through rules and cooperation rather than through reckless actions and confrontation.

He also mentioned that Canada intends to participate in next year’s major military exercises held by the Philippines and the US, who have been long-standing allies. Earlier, the Philippines established similar agreements with Japan and New Zealand and is looking to make deals with France and the UK as well.

Teodoro highlighted that this new agreement will allow the two nations to collaborate not just on their own, but also with other like-minded partners to maintain peace and stability and prevent instability.