Canada and the Philippines, both vocal critics of China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, have concluded negotiations for a key defense pact that will allow their forces to hold large combat exercises and intensify defense cooperation.

The Philippines 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 on Friday.

The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a key military agreement, as Manila expands defense partnerships amid tensions with Beijing over the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines and Canada have negotiated a deal for the deployment of troops, Manila said Friday, it what will be once signed the latest security pact in the face of increasingly tense confrontations with China.

Canada has supported the Philippines’ stance in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that said China’s vast South China Sea claims had no legal basis. China rejects that finding.

The Philippines and Canada have finished their discussions on the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) and are now set to sign the deal, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.