Canada, Australia signal enhanced military cooperation In response to China

Canada and Australia, both concerned about China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, announced that they will bolster their military and defence industry cooperation.

Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair highlighted the growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, accusing Beijing of attempting to reshape the international order to serve its own interests, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Blair made these remarks following discussions with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles in Vancouver.

Blair emphasized the need for the two nations to strengthen their collaboration to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific. "We have agreed to pursue closer cooperation by enhancing the interoperability of our armed forces and deepening our operational coordination," he told reporters.

Both Canada and Australia expressed their concerns over what they describe as Beijing's excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea and its military activities around Taiwan.

This week, the Philippines, along with the armed forces of Canada, the United States, and Australia, conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea. Marles underscored that their cooperation aims to deter conflict and enhance mutual support.

Marles travelled to Vancouver from Washington, where Australia recently committed to co-manufacturing guided weapons with the United States starting next year.