Canada to send warships to Indo-Pacific twice, increase military cooperation with Japan and Philippines

Canada plans to deploy its naval warships to the Indo-Pacific region twice this year, Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed during an interview in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The move is part of Ottawa's broader strategy to strengthen military ties with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific, even as Canada continues efforts to maintain trade relations with China.

Canadian warships are scheduled to arrive in the region in August and November, where they will participate in various military exercises and make port calls in Japan.

McGuinty said Canada is deepening its presence and cooperation with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines while also managing its relationship with China in a disciplined and measured manner.

Notably, Canada's efforts to seek defence and trade partners outside North America come at a time when its relationship with the United States has experienced considerable uncertainty and fluctuations following Donald Trump's return to power.