Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeks strategic ties with Japan and Canada as China sanctions defense chief

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the elevation of Manila‑Tokyo relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a May visit to Japan, citing new defense and security agreements such as a reciprocal access pact and a cross‑servicing arrangement for joint military exercises.

In late June, Marcos highlighted a separate strategic partnership with Canada, describing a four‑day visit as “productive” after securing about US$2.5 billion in investment pledges for mining, critical minerals, energy, IT‑BPM and infrastructure. He also noted ongoing negotiations of a free‑trade agreement with Canada and an ASEAN‑Canada deal.

Meanwhile, China imposed a persona non grata sanction on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, barring him and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Marcos called the sanctions “very unhelpful,” saying they raise tensions and do not advance discussions over the West Philippine Sea disputes.