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.

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 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