Canada and the Philippines, both vocal critics of China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, have concluded negotiations for a key defense pact that will allow their forces to hold large combat exercises and intensify defense cooperation.

The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) after negotiations aimed at enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two nations, Manila's defence ministry said on Friday.

The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a key military agreement, as Manila expands defense partnerships amid tensions with Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines and Canada have negotiated a deal for the deployment of troops, Manila said Friday, it what will be once signed the latest security pact in the face of increasingly tense confrontations with China.

The Philippines can expect closer defense cooperation with Canada once the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) enters into force, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Saturday. The negotiations for a Canada-Philippines SOVFA,