Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, "The old order will not return," and called on other middle powers to unite.
Trudeau said on Tuesday, "Middle powers must act together because if we are not at the table, we will be on the menu." He added that he believes major powers are using economic coercion to get what they want.
He also reiterated Canada's support for Greenland, Denmark, and the NATO alliance, which drew applause.
Trudeau did not name Donald Trump, but some of his remarks seemed to target the U.S. president. Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on European allies and the UK unless Greenland was handed over to the United States.
"Major powers" usually refer to countries with permanent seats on the UN Security Council, indicating their economic and military dominance in the world.
Countries like Canada, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, and Brazil are considered middle powers, despite their smaller economies, yet they still wield significant influence in global politics.
Trudeau said in his speech that the world is "in a rupture, not a transition."
He said, "Major powers have begun to use economic integration as a weapon, tariffs as a lever, financial infrastructure as a tool of coercion, and supply chains as vulnerabilities that can be exploited."
He also said Canada was "one of the first to hear the alarm bell," recognizing that geographical and historical alliances no longer guarantee security or prosperity.
After Trump's re-election, he often referred to Canada as the "51st state" and threatened to absorb Canada and the U.S. through "economic power." Subsequently, the U.S. imposed high tariffs on its northern neighbor and major trading partner.
Lately, Trump posted a map on social media showing the U.S. flag covering the U.S., Canada, and Greenland, expanding his attempt to claim sovereignty over Greenland to include Canada, and this effort has become more intense and public in recent days.
In his speech, Trudeau said that as a NATO member, Canada stands firmly with Greenland and Denmark and supports "their unique right to decide Greenland's future."
The prime minister added, "Our commitment to Article 5 (the collective defense clause) is unwavering." He referred to the NATO treaty provision that an attack on any one member is considered an attack on all members.
Canadian media reported earlier this week that Canada is considering sending a small contingent of troops to Greenland to conduct joint military exercises with Danish and other European forces in the region.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand was asked about this at Davos, saying, "We regularly participate in NATO exercises and also in exercises led by the Canadian Armed Forces." She added that future deployments are decided by the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff.
In his speech, Trudeau said that in response to changing geopolitics, Canada is currently focusing on engaging with other countries and building different coalitions based on shared values and interests on different issues.
The prime minister positioned Canada as a "stable and reliable" partner and mentioned the recent trade and investment agreement with Qatar, as well as the defense procurement agreement signed with the EU last year.
Trudeau was one of several world leaders attending the World Economic Forum this week. Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech on Wednesday.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7597621743326478911/
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