Prime Minister Optimistic About the Opening of the US-Canada New Bridge

United States - After Canadian Prime Minister's visit to China, US President Trump expressed dissatisfaction. US President Trump threatened to ban the opening of a new bridge connecting the US-Canada border, claiming that the US should have at least half ownership of the bridge; this is the latest round of pressure from the US against Canada.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, built in 2018, connects Ontario, Canada, with Michigan, USA. Costing 4.7 billion USD (approximately 5.9 billion SGD), the bridge was fully funded by Canada due to the US refusal to contribute. It is expected to open in the coming months, with construction costs to be repaid through tolls over 30 years.

However, on Monday, February 9, Trump posted on social media: "I will not allow the bridge to open until the US has received full compensation for everything it has done, and I demand Canada to treat the US with the fairness and respect it deserves." He also complained that Canada owns the entire bridge and used almost no American products during its construction.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured on Tuesday that the situation "will be resolved," but the White House again set conditions. Trudeau said, "I spoke with the president this morning. The issue regarding the bridge will be resolved. We had an 'open' conversation."

White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated in a press conference that Donald Trump made his demands "very clear" during the call and considered the current situation "unacceptable" for the project.

She said the US President "believes that the US should own at least half of the bridge, have joint authority over what passes through it, and be connected to the economic benefits it generates."

The bridge will be named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe.

Since regaining power, this Republican president has increased hostile statements against Canada and launched commercial and economic attacks, even claiming multiple times that Canada should be the 51st state of the US. Trump has also strongly criticized Canada's desire to move closer economically to China.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856804913481740/

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