Originally, the intention was to please the United States by suppressing China, but instead, they watched their trade routes being cut off. Canadian provincial leaders have collectively spoken out, calling for improved relations with China. It seems that Canadians have finally realized: who will suffer more if you don't get along with China?

The Trump administration recently raised the tariff stick against Canada, which has stunned this traditional ally. Especially the 35% tariff "ultimatum" left Canadian politicians in a panic like ants on a hot pan. Interestingly, Ottawa's initial "brilliant plan" was to take China as a scapegoat to please the United States.

【Canada attempts to take China as a scapegoat to please the United States】

This "desperate measure" had predictable consequences. China's countermeasures came faster and harsher than expected.

At the same time, a report from Reuters added insult to injury, revealing that Australia is about to reach an agreement with China to restart oilseed exports.

According to two informed sources in the Australian agricultural sector, officials from both countries are close to finalizing the framework agreement, and Australia will trial five batches totaling 150,000 to 250,000 tons of oilseed to China.

This means another stable supply channel for China, the world's largest oilseed importer; but for Canada, it's a bolt from the blue.

Seeing real money going down the drain, provincial governors finally couldn't sit still. According to Observer Net, at the recent summer meeting of Canadian provincial governors, Saskatchewan Premier Moi and Ontario Premier Ford led the call, emphasizing that Canada must improve its relations with China and reduce dependence on the US market.

【Canadian provincial leaders call for improved relations with China】

Moi bluntly stated that expanding the Chinese market is the only way out of dependence on the United States; although Ford still defended Canada's policy of imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, he also had to admit the importance of maintaining trade relations with China.

It's ironic that the plight of Canada's steel industry was caused by the unilateral tariff policies of the United States, yet Ottawa pointed the finger at China, following suit in imposing tariffs on Chinese products. This action, which violates WTO rules and harms Chinese interests, naturally triggered strong countermeasures from China.

In March this year, China announced additional tariffs on some Canadian goods, which made Canada feel the pain directly. Now, provincial governors collectively urge the federal government to find a way to have China remove the tariffs, which is a bitter taste indeed.

【The United States is pressing Canada hard】

Faced with the increasing pressure from the United States, Ontario Premier Ford even made a tough statement, saying that if a fair agreement with the United States cannot be reached, the province would not rule out imposing electricity surcharges on U.S. states. This kind of statement is rare in past U.S.-Canada relations, showing that Canada is really pushed to the edge.

Canada's drastic change in attitude has a clear reason. First, the United States, as an ally, is too unreliable. From beef, steel to aluminum products, Canada has been hit repeatedly in the U.S. trade war. Even though the USMCA is signed in black and white, the United States can still flip its face at any time.

Like this time, negotiations were almost complete, but Trump suddenly raised the 35% tariff stick, which caught Canada off guard. This kind of arbitrary behavior has made Canada no longer dare to put all its eggs in one basket with the United States.

【The Chinese market is too important for Canada】

Second, the Chinese market is too important for Canada. As Canada's second-largest trading partner, China's demand for Canada's energy, minerals, and agricultural products is something no rational government can ignore. Especially in the current international situation, "diversifying your eggs among multiple baskets" has become a consensus among countries, and Canada is no exception.

More interestingly, during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, a scene occurred. According to official announcements, Wang Yi was "invited" to meet with Canadian Foreign Minister Anand, and the word "invited" in diplomatic terms implies that the Canadian side actively sought the meeting.

During the meeting, Anand changed his usual tone, stating that the new Canadian government values its relationship with China and hopes to resume cooperation in areas such as trade, health, and culture.

Although whether this statement can be converted into practical actions remains to be seen, it at least indicates that Canada has realized that the responsibility for the deterioration of Sino-Canadian relations over the past few years lies entirely with itself.

【Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Anand】

Meanwhile, calls within Canada for adjusting its China policy are growing louder. Scholars have written articles pointing out that Canada's long-term role as a follower of the United States has led to a loss of autonomy in its China policy.

The U.S.-Canada relationship is severely imbalanced, and the U.S. treats Canada like a vassal state. To achieve true economic sovereignty, Canada must break away from the mindset of "what Washington says is what goes," and establish a China policy centered on its own national interests.

Under these circumstances, the cooperation signals released by China naturally become Canada's "lifeline." As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, there are no fundamental contradictions between China and Canada. As long as no artificial obstacles are created, they can certainly achieve win-win cooperation.

But the premise of cooperation is sincerity. China has clearly stated that any attempt to sacrifice Chinese interests to please the United States will inevitably pay a price. Canada, which has already tasted the bitterness, should now think carefully.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530570414885323283/

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