Canada and South Korea signed a new defense agreement Wednesday, setting the legal framework for a deepened alliance.

Defense ministers Ahn Gyu-back  of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and David McGuinty of Canada met alongside foreign affairs officials for both countries. In a joint statement, the countries described political and legal motivations behind the partnership, stating:

The changing international landscape continues to underscore the importance of strong, resilient partnerships among likeminded states. As middle powers confronting a more unpredictable global order, Canada and the ROK are deepening collaboration to protect our shared security, economic stability and values.

Four key sections comprise the new framework. First, the countries asserted their commitment to international peace and security, particularly in current conflict zones. They condemned continued Russian assaults on Ukrainian sovereignty and expressed “grave concerns” over cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Leaders claimed that the activities of this alliance have violated UN Security Council resolutions, while reasserting Canada and South Korea’s “unwavering commitment” to uphold these international legal resolutions.

Second, the countries expressed support for a “free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law” and set goals of advancing regional cooperation, supply chain resilience, and economic security.

Third, leaders committed to strengthen security and defense cooperation through a new Action Plan, which includes increased joint exercises and regular air force staff talks, alongside continued convenings on navy, army, space, and strategic policy. The nations will also share knowledge and resources on defense science, technology, and materials.

The fourth and final section speaks to “cyber, technology, AI and space security challenges,” noting that these ongoing developments pose new challenges to national security. The countries will search for new ways combat foreign interference, build responsible governance of artificial intelligence, and advance the economic potential of outer space.

In December, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada hosted a roundtable discussion on the partnership with panels of university professors and policy experts. Participants noted potential challenges of effective implementation, including Canada complex federal-provincial system and gaps in capabilities on both sides, especially naval capacity.

Jeehye Kim, Senior Program Manager, Northeast Asia, explained the new strategic phase, writing:

If effectively institutionalized and sustained, Canada-Korea co-operation – anchored in projects like the CPSP and broadened to include hybrid threats and emerging technologies – has the potential to serve as a model for middle-power alignment in an era of intensifying geopolitical competition.

The partnership comes after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called on middle powers to work together against “American hegemony” in his address at the World Economic Forum last month. Both defense ministers stated that the agreement is an important step forward for both countries.