Canada, Australia Enhance Defence Cooperation Agreement

Canada and Australia have agreed to enhance military and defence industry cooperation in response to rising concerns over China's assertive actions in the South China Sea and its military buildup, which Defence Minister Bill Blair described as the most ambitious since World War II. During a meeting in Vancouver, Blair and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of their countries working together to deter potential conflicts and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement includes commitments to improve interoperability of armed forces and address shared global challenges, including cyber threats. Both ministers condemned hostile actions from China and Russia, reaffirming their support for Ukraine and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This collaboration reflects growing military cooperation among Western nations to counteract threats that challenge the global order. The discussions further highlight the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific amid increasing geopolitical tensions.