France, Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand—following Washington’s lead—have each staged war games or concluded alliances with Manila targeting China.
The country 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.
The Philippine defense secretary says his country and its allies would take measures to counter any attempt by China to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea.
Whatever happens in the near term, it is obvious that there is a serious arms race occurring for dominance in the South China Sea.