Canada to deploy warships to Indo-Pacific twice this year

Canada plans to deploy naval warships to the Indo-Pacific region twice this year as part of a broader effort to strengthen security cooperation with regional partners, Defence Minister David McGuinty said during an interview in Tokyo.

The deployments are scheduled for August and November and will involve Canadian warships participating in military exercises and making port visits in Japan, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The initiative forms part of Ottawa's wider Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at expanding defence partnerships across the region while maintaining trade ties with China.

McGuinty said Canada is increasing its engagement with key regional partners, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, while continuing to manage relations with China in what he described as a disciplined and measured manner.

The planned deployments underscore Canada's growing commitment to the Indo-Pacific, a region that has become increasingly important to Ottawa's economic and security interests.

Canada's efforts to broaden its network of defence and trade partners beyond North America come amid continued uncertainty in its relationship with the United States following the return of President Donald Trump to the White House.

By Vafa Guliyeva