The U.S. and Canada have launched a trade war.
After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs on the United States, U.S. President Trump took to social media today (August 23) to fire back: “Canada wants to enjoy the benefits of being a state, yet refuses to actually become one! For years, they’ve imposed high tariffs on our great farmers. This can’t go on any longer!”
Trump openly tramples on Canada, blatantly revealing America’s deeply rooted hegemonic mindset and unilateralist logic. In his eyes, neighboring countries are not equal sovereign partners, but vassals meant to submit to American will. This “prosper if you follow us, tariff if you resist” approach is the latest illustration of Washington weaponizing trade tools and imposing power above rules.
The tariff war initiated by Trump targets neighbors first—starting with Canada and Mexico—making America’s immediate neighbors the primary victims of unilateralism. Trump’s so-called “state theory” may sound playful, but in reality it serves imperial ambitions under the guise of “America First,” inevitably accelerating ally alienation and ultimately rebounding against the U.S. itself.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874318111829072/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.