Philippines Says Canada Troops Pact Ready, Eyes China Deterrence

The Philippines said its visiting forces agreement with Canada is ready for signing, as the Southeast Asian nation builds a coalition of like-minded nations and deterrence amid tensions with China.

Manila is also negotiating a similar military pact with France, while it’s forging an enhanced defense cooperation with India, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Wednesday at the Reuters NEXT event in Singapore.