U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney shared a table and exchanged nods during a toast at a pre-Asia-Pacific Economic Co-Operation Summit dinner. However, their interaction revealed a noticeable lack of communication, highlighting the strained U.S.-Canada relationship. This marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump called off trade discussions due to an anti-tariff ad by the Ontario government.
In response to a query from a Global News journalist, Carney mentioned that he had positive discussions with all the presidents in attendance at the dinner. Upon arriving in South Korea, Carney was confronted with the presence of Air Force One parked in front of his plane, underscoring the challenges in the U.S.-Canada dynamic heading into the APEC summit.
Canada finds itself in a difficult position as it navigates its relationships with both the U.S. and China. While facing a deteriorating rapport with Trump, who has shunned talks with Carney and halted trade negotiations, Canada aims to enhance ties with China, the world’s second-largest economy and a key U.S. competitor. Any efforts by Canada to mend relations with China, such as revisiting electric vehicle tariffs, may encounter resistance or hostility from Washington.
As the APEC summit approaches, Trump seems prepared to make trade concessions to secure a broader deal with China. The extent to which Carney can mirror these actions remains uncertain. With speculations about potential tariff adjustments, the dynamics of international trade discussions are unpredictable, as evidenced by Canada’s experiences at the U.S. trade table.
Carney faces a delicate balancing act in his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he strives to avoid upsetting Trump while recognizing the unique geopolitical strategies employed by China. The summit presents a significant opportunity for Carney, though expectations for a major breakthrough should be tempered. Beyond the U.S., other Indo-Pacific allies are closely monitoring Canada’s approaches to trade diversification and its engagement with China, seeking reassurances on security matters.
While Carney leverages his network of business connections in the region, the U.S. and China are actively seeking to solidify their economic ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Trump’s recent agreements with countries to secure access to rare earth minerals highlight efforts to reduce dependence on China, while China’s enhanced free trade agreement with 11 nations signals a strategic push for broader cooperation in various sectors.
