[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] After the Trump administration took office, the relationship between the US and Canada plummeted sharply. Meanwhile, Trudeau's government's previous policies towards China have also led to reflection within Canada.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported on May 6 that while Canadian Prime Minister Carrie met with U.S. President Trump at the White House, Canada is facing numerous challenges, not only dealing with the threat of U.S. tariffs but also handling its relations with the world's second-largest economy, China.

Some Canadian scholars are calling for the Liberal government to remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to promote trade with China and achieve climate goals. Some industry experts suggest that Canada should cooperate with China in the research and development of electric vehicles.

Last autumn, despite opposition and advice from all sides, the Trudeau government followed the approach of the then Biden administration by imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. In March this year, China announced retaliatory tariffs on imports from Canada including rapeseed oil.

Critics believe that under the current circumstances of deteriorating relations between Canada and the U States, the urgency of climate goals, and China's retaliatory tariffs, the policy of tariffs on China appears increasingly inappropriate.

"This is a foolish policy; we just followed the trend to show loyalty to the U.S.," said Jessica Green, a political science professor at the University of Toronto who studies climate change. "The situation has changed... this policy seems even more foolish now."

"Canada lost its ability to think independently last year," criticized Josip Petrunic, CEO of the Canadian Urban Transportation Research and Innovation Consortium. "We have a mental inertia in our trade policies, always thinking that we have a reliable neighbor next door."

Canadian farmers drive seeders to plant rapeseed crops on family farms. Visual China.

According to data from the Canadian Canola Council, China is Canada's second-largest export market for rapeseed, with export revenues of 20.6 million and 918 million Canadian dollars for oils and meals respectively in 2024 (1 Canadian dollar is approximately 5.27 RMB).

"Our farmers are the first to be affected," said Andre Harpe, chairman of the Canadian Canola Growers Association, hoping that the new Canadian government would prioritize the issue of tariffs.

Canadian media noticed that China has not yet imposed tariffs on imported Canadian rapeseed worth 4.9 billion Canadian dollars.

"China could do so at any time," warned Harpe.

On the other hand, the tariffs on China have also raised concerns among Canadians about whether they can achieve their climate goals. According to Canada's emission reduction plan, by 2030 emissions will be reduced by 40% compared to 2005, and net zero emissions will be achieved by 2050. The federal government's Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Regulation clearly requires a complete ban on the sale of fuel-powered vehicles by 2035.

"To popularize electric vehicles, affordable models must be provided," said Louise Lévesque, director of policy at the Electric Mobility Canada Association. Currently, the price range of Canadian electric vehicles is between 40,000 and 327,000 Canadian dollars, making them unaffordable for many people. "Chinese models can fill this gap," added Lévesque. The cheapest electric vehicle currently on the market is the BYD Sea Gull from China, priced at around 13,000 Canadian dollars.

Others argue that if Chinese cars are allowed into the market, investment in Canada's domestic industries may go to waste. Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, believes that Chinese cars "pose dumping risks."

However, some experts believe there are solutions that balance affordable electric vehicles and protect domestic manufacturing.

Niel Hiscox, president of Toronto-based automotive consulting firm Clarify, suggested that Canada could collaborate with China in the research and development of electric vehicles: "China is already a global leader in battery technology and electric vehicles. We need reverse technology transfer."

Lévesque proposed that Canada emulate Europe by setting targeted tariffs or implementing time-limited controls, "to give the North American industry time to transition," she also suggested providing purchase subsidies only for domestically produced electric vehicles.

It is worth noting that Hong Kong-based English-language media South China Morning Post quoted analysts on April 30 as saying that Trump's protectionist trade policies and aggressive rhetoric against Canada triggered strong backlash from voters. This public reaction directly contributed to the victory of Prime Minister Carrie’s Liberal Party in the election.

The analysis suggests that if tensions between Canada and the United States persist, the new Canadian government may gain more political space to promote cooperation with China. As Canadians' aversion to U.S. policies deepens, especially when dealing with matters related to China, the coordination between Canada and the U.S. may significantly decrease, and Canada may adopt a more independent diplomatic strategy.

In response to Canada's tariffs on China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a regular press conference on March 10, "We urge the Canadian side to take concrete actions, correct its mistaken practices, and provide a fair, non-discriminatory, predictable environment for normal trade and cooperation between enterprises of the two countries."

Mao emphasized that China expects Canada to uphold objective and rational perceptions of China, adopt positive and pragmatic policies towards China, work together with China, and promote the improvement and development of Sino-Canadian relations.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501548485997642249/

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