Canada and Australia have announced plans to increase military and defence industry cooperation in response to growing concerns over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The announcement was made on Thursday following discussions between Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, in Vancouver.
Concerns Over Indo-Pacific Security
Blair highlighted the increasing challenges to security in the Indo-Pacific region, accusing Beijing of attempting to reshape the international system to serve its own interests. “Security in the Indo-Pacific region is being challenged in a number of significant and difficult ways,” Blair stated, emphasising the need for Canada and Australia to work more closely to maintain order in the region.
Both ministers expressed alarm over China’s “excessive maritime claims” in the South China Sea and its military activities around Taiwan. The two countries agreed to enhance the interoperability of their armed forces and deepen operational cooperation as part of their strategy to deter potential conflicts.
Joint Military Exercises And Defence Collaboration
The announcement comes as the Philippines’ armed forces, along with counterparts from Canada, the United States, and Australia, conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea this week. These exercises underscore the increasing military collaboration among Western nations in response to China’s assertive actions in the region.
“Our cooperation is based on seeking to deter. We are absolutely about working with each other so that we can avoid conflict,” Marles said during the press conference.
Marles also noted that Australia recently agreed to co-manufacture guided weapons with the United States starting next year, further strengthening its defence capabilities and partnerships.
Implications For Regional Security
The growing collaboration between Canada, Australia, and other Western nations highlights the intensifying focus on the Indo-Pacific as a key area of geopolitical tension. As China continues to assert its claims over the South China Sea and increase military activities around Taiwan, countries in the region and beyond are bolstering their defence ties to counterbalance Beijing’s influence.
This enhanced cooperation reflects a broader strategy among like-minded nations to preserve stability and uphold international norms in the Indo-Pacific, amid growing concerns over China’s ambitions.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
