April 26, Editor Huang Junzhi - Local US time Friday, US President Donald Trump once again firmly reiterated that his statement about "Canada should join the United States as the 51st state" was very serious, even though the Canadian leader has completely rejected this idea.

In a recent interview, a journalist pointed out that these remarks might be "a bit provocative". Trump responded: "No, in fact, I am not (being provocative). You might think I am joking, but I am really not being provocative. Canada is an interesting example."

For months, Trump had previously stated more than once that Canada should "become the 51st state of the United States". He pointed out that the United States has a trade deficit of billions of dollars with Canada each year, and that "almost 90% of Canada's business is conducted with the United States." He also joked that former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be called "governor".

Although some critics previously said that Trump was not serious about this idea, Trudeau and other Canadian politicians, including his successor Mark Carney, have repeatedly rejected the idea of Canada becoming a state.

In the latest interview, Trump reiterated what he often says, that the United States suffers huge losses due to trade deficits and that there is no need for the United States to import products from Canada.

He said: "We are taking care of their military. We are taking care of every aspect of their lives, and we do not need them to manufacture cars for us."

"In fact, we do not want them to manufacture cars for us. We want to manufacture our own cars. We do not need their timber. We do not need their energy. We do not need anything from Canada. I believe that the only way this can work is if Canada becomes a state," he added.

According to media reports, Trump once again proposed the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the United States during a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 28, but later that evening, Carney revealed to the outside world that "President Trump respects Canada's sovereignty in both private and public remarks today."

According to media reports citing two sources, Trump raised the issue of the 51st state during the call and explained the advantages of Canada joining the United States. Carney then expressed his disagreement. At the end of the call, Carney said: "We agree to disagree on this issue."

In the above latest interview, Trump once again talked about purchasing the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland. Danish leaders and the new Prime Minister of Greenland, Niels, have also clearly rejected this idea.

Trump reiterated that Greenland "would be fine if they wish so – I believe it is important for our national security and even international security."

(Source: Caixin Media, Editor Huang Junzhi)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497409131448467968/

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