At a dinner before the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-Operation Summit, U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney were seen sitting across from each other, exchanging acknowledgments during a toast. Despite this, there seemed to be a lack of communication between the two leaders, highlighting the strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada.
This face-to-face encounter marked the first meeting between the leaders since Trump called off trade discussions due to an anti-tariff advertisement by the Ontario government. When asked by a Global News journalist, Carney mentioned having positive discussions with all the presidents present at the dinner.
As Carney landed in South Korea, the challenges posed by the U.S. were evident as Air Force One was positioned in front of his aircraft. Canada finds itself caught in a difficult position as it heads into the APEC summit, where Carney aims to reset the country’s ties with China.
On one side, there is the deteriorating relationship with Trump, who has refused to engage with Carney and canceled trade talks. Meanwhile, Carney seeks to diversify trade, a task that necessitates dialogue with China, the world’s second-largest economy and the U.S.’s primary economic competitor.
Any concessions Canada considers making to mend ties with China, such as revisiting electric vehicle tariffs, will face scrutiny and potential opposition from Washington. The upcoming APEC summit presents an opportunity for Trump to make trade concessions to secure a broader deal with China, raising questions about Carney’s flexibility in this regard.
The meeting between Carney and Xi Jinping will be closely watched by other Indo-Pacific allies, who are curious about Canada’s commitment to diversifying trade and its potential impact on security arrangements in the region. Amidst these diplomatic challenges, Carney’s visit to South Korea signifies a vital signal of commitment to partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
While Carney has engaged with key business figures in the region, securing meetings with prominent individuals, the U.S. and China have been actively pursuing new trade deals and enhancing their economic ties in the region. Trump has signed agreements with various countries to secure access to rare earth minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on China.
China, on the other hand, has strengthened its trade relations by upgrading a free trade agreement with a group of 11 countries, emphasizing cooperation in various sectors. The evolving dynamics between major global players underscore the complexities and opportunities faced by Canada in navigating its international relationships.