Canada-Philippines Eye Deeper Defence Ties

The Philippines and Canada formalised a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on 2 November 2025, marking Ottawa’s first such pact in the Indo-Pacific and signalling a fortified defence relationship with Manila. The deal allows for joint training, troop visits and closer military coordination. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. described it as central to upholding a rules-based order in the region — particularly amid concerns over South China Sea coercion and Beijing’s broad maritime claims. Reuters

US-Philippines Launch “Task Force Philippines”

On 1 November 2025, the Philippines and the United States announced a joint initiative — “Task Force Philippines” — aimed at re-establishing deterrence in the South China Sea. The move will deepen operational coordination, exercises and readiness between the two allies. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed the objective is not escalation, but structured preparedness in defence of maritime sovereignty and safe passage. Philippine News Agency

Australia Flags China’s Growing Reach Beyond the South China Sea

Australian officials, speaking on background, warned that China’s maritime and military footprint is expanding well beyond the South China Sea — into the East China Sea, Southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean. The shift, they say, increases strategic pressure for Southeast Asia and signals that collective deterrence strategies must evolve accordingly. GMA Network

Manila Sounds Alarm Over “Dangerous Maneuvers” in West Philippine Sea

President Marcos flagged what he described as “dangerous manoeuvres” and the “coercive use of tools” by foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea (the Philippines’ term for its EEZ portion of the South China Sea). He called on ASEAN and regional partners to treat these actions as threats to navigation safety and regional stability. ABS-CBN