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February 17, 2026

Daily Briefing — 2026-02-17

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CHINA COMPASS
Briefing · 2026-02-17 · 12 signals
Canada-China bilateral trade (November 2025)
$11.3B
Imports
$7.3B
Exports
$4.0B
📋 Today's Briefing

The Philippines has taken a strong stance against China's embassy, rebuking its warning of potential job losses due to deteriorating relations. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has labeled China's tactics as coercive and undermining, a significant diplomatic development in the region.

In other news, the Chinese military conducted combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea, a move that could escalate tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Canada and the UK have implemented visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders, a positive step towards facilitating travel and cultural exchange.

The bottom line: The Philippines' response to China's warning sets a precedent for other countries in the region, while the Chinese military's patrols highlight the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. Keep an eye on these developments as they may have broader implications for the Indo-Pacific region.

China Compass provides daily insights into Canada-China relations. Visit www.chinacompass.ca for more.

◆
🔔 Top Signals
🤝 diplomatic
Philippines rebukes China embassy over ‘coercive’ warning of job losses
Why it matters
The Philippines has criticized China's embassy for warning of potential job losses due to deteriorating bilateral relations.
→ This followed a disagreement over an academic presentation by a Philippine Coast Guard official that sparked tensions.
Al Jazeera
🛡️ military
Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols in South China Sea
Why it matters
BEIJING, Feb.
→ Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, said that the Philippines had co-opted countries outside the region to organize so-called joint patrols, which had undermined peace and stability in the region.
Xinhua
👥 social
Effective today, ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom will be exempt from visa requirements.
Why it matters
Unilever has entered into a five-year partnership with Google Cloud and will use Google Cloud's advanced artificial intelligence, data, and platform services.
36Kr · 2026-02-17
⚖️ legal
What’s behind UK-China border security deal?
Why it matters
UK's prime minister Keir Starmer announced an agreement with China aimed at disrupting small-boat crossings into the English Channel, part of efforts to reduce unauthorized arrivals and tackle people smuggling.
→ This strategy complements the UK's broader countersmuggling policy that includes agreements with countries along migration routes, such as a 2023 border security deal with Turkey.
Asia Times
🏛️ political
Lai Qingde, President of Taichung, gives out lucky bags in Jiaqi and wishes everyone good fortune; millions turn out to showcase his high popularity.
Why it matters
President Lai held the hand of Honorary Chairman Rui Chuan, who is also a National Policy Advisor and the chairman of City God Temple, to walk slowly into the venue.
→ The scene at Paizi Tian Gong Temple was even more exaggerated; not only were there crowds filling up the front plaza and Open Prosperity Road leading to the temple, but lines of people waiting for blessing bags stretched from Guangfu Road in front of the temple all the way down Zhong Zheng Road and back, reaching as long as 3 kilometers.
Liberty Times
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China Compass
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