Canada and Australia Unite Against China's Maritime Claims

Canada and Australia, voicing concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea, have decided to strengthen their military and defense industry collaboration. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stressed the need for closer cooperation with Australia to handle security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, accusing China of seeking to reshape global systems for its benefit.

Canada and Australia, expressing alarm at China's claims over the disputed waters of the South China Sea, announced on Thursday that they would increase their military and defense industry cooperation. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, accusing Beijing of attempting to reshape the international system to advance its own interests.

During talks in Vancouver with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, Blair highlighted the need for the two nations to work more closely together to maintain order in the Indo-Pacific. 'We have agreed to pursue closer collaboration by enhancing the interoperability of our armed forces and deepening our operational cooperation,' he informed reporters.

The two officials expressed concerns about Beijing's excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea and Chinese military activities around Taiwan. Notably, Canada's, Australia's, and the United States' armed forces held joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea with the Philippines' armed forces. 'Our cooperation is based on seeking to deter conflict,' Marles said, following his talks with Blair. Marles also mentioned Australia's plan to begin co-manufacturing guided weapons with the United States next year after recent discussions in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies.)