Strengthening Canada's defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

August 18, 2026 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:04

By: Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Indo-Pacific

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Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay meets with senior leadership of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in Tokyo to discuss shared security priorities and strengthen Canada–Japan defence cooperation in support of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

From Wellington to Tokyo, Canberra, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay has begun laying the foundation for Canada's newest military leadership role in the Indo-Pacific.

In recent weeks, the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) inaugural Senior Military Representative to the Indo-Pacific (SMR-IP) met with senior military leaders and defence officials across five partner nations. These first official engagements reinforced defence relationships, identified opportunities for future cooperation, and reinforced Canada's commitment to one of its most strategically important regions.

Established earlier this year, the SMR-IP serves as the Chief of the Defence Staff's military representative across the Indo-Pacific. The position enhances Canada's military engagement with allies and partners while helping align CAF activities with the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Through the strategy, Canada has expanded its defence presence in the region, creating greater opportunities to work alongside allies and partners to promote peace and stability, uphold international law, and strengthen collective resilience.

"The Indo-Pacific is one of the most consequential regions for Canada's future security and prosperity," said Lieutenant-General Macaulay. "These initial engagements allowed us to listen to our partners, deepen relationships, and identify where the Canadian Armed Forces can make meaningful contributions alongside allies and like-minded nations."

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Earlier this year, Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay participated as a panelist at the 22nd Korea–Canada Forum in Seoul, South Korea, where he joined government, academic and industry leaders to discuss regional security, defence cooperation and the future of Canada–Republic of Korea relations.

During the engagements, Lieutenant-General Macaulay travelled to New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Vietnam and Malaysia to introduce the new role, discuss shared security priorities, and explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The meetings also supported closer coordination with Canadian missions and other Government of Canada partners while providing valuable insight into regional security priorities that will help inform future CAF engagement.

The SMR-IP complements the work of Canadian Heads of Mission, Indo-Pacific Region Defence Attachés, and Canadian Joint Operations Command, by providing strategic military representation on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff. The role connects high-level dialogue with the CAF's enduring presence in the region, including Canadian Joint Operations Command operations like Royal Canadian Navy deployments, multinational exercises, cyber cooperation, professional military education, and Women, Peace and Security initiatives.

For the CAF, this means stronger partnerships, greater interoperability, and improved coordination. For Canada, it reinforces a commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Across Southeast, Northeast, and South Asia, the SMR-IP will also serve as a focal point for defence dialogue on regional security and collective defence.

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Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay met with senior leadership from the Ministry of Defence and Defence Force for a series of briefings that enabled open discussion and a shared appreciation of the regional and global security environment, helping identify opportunities to strengthen defence cooperation and strategic engagement.

"Our partnerships are built on trust, professionalism and shared interests," said Lieutenant-General Macaulay. "Lasting relationships cannot be developed only during exercises or operations. They require sustained engagement, open dialogue and a shared commitment to regional stability."

With additional engagements planned in the months ahead, the SMR-IP will continue strengthening trusted military relationships and supporting Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. This summer, the Chief of the Defence Staff and the United States Pacific Command Commander will co-host the PACOM Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, Canada, bringing together military leaders from Indo-Pacific nations to discuss shared security challenges and strengthen defence partnerships.

"Building trusted relationships today helps us meet tomorrow's challenges together," said Lieutenant-General Macaulay.