Canada and South Korea sign a defence agreement

Canada and South Korea have signed a new defence agreement, roughly a month after Prime Minister Mark Carney urged middle powers to band together in the face of “great power” economic coercion.

Following negotiations that concluded in October, the two countries signed a deal Wednesday related to the exchange and protection of classified military and defence information.

In October, Ottawa said the agreement would be a legal basis to improve collaboration on everything from defence procurement and industrial security to research.

At the meeting Wednesday, the countries also agreed to updating their strategic partnership to reflect current geopolitical realities and begin negotiations on a defence cooperation agreement, including a legal framework for the cooperation of the countries’ military forces.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Carney urged middle powers to work together against “American hegemony” and the efforts of great powers to subjugate smaller countries.

The deal also comes as South Korean firm Hanwha Oceans is competing with German submarine manufacturer TKMS for a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply Canada with up to 12 new submarines.

Industry Minister Melanie Joly recently told reporters that Canada is looking for industrial benefits beyond just the subs themselves, noting Canada wants to expand manufacturing of vehicles from South Korean, German and Chinese automakers.

Conservative critic for national defence James Bezan argued in a statement that more non-binding agreements don’t increase the operational strength and capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“What we need is for the Liberal government to listen to our service men and women and buy much-needed equipment quickly, based on what we need to defend ourselves,” said Bezan. “Nearly a year into his term, and Carney has changed the rhetoric, but not the reality of what kit our armed forces have to do their jobs.”