[By Guancha Observer Network, Liu Chenghui]

Can the United States and Canada, whose relations have been turbulent since the change of the Trump administration, break the deadlock through the G7 summit?

At least Canadian Prime Minister Carrie has made his stance clear.

On June 16 local time, US President Trump met with Carrie at the G7 Summit. In front of a group of reporters' cameras, this Canadian prime minister, who once vowed "never to yield to Trump," frequently showed goodwill to Trump. Not only did he give belated birthday wishes, but also directly said, "Without American leadership, the G7 is nothing."

"I am deeply honored to welcome you to Canada," Carrie said, leaning slightly to one side and bowing slightly towards Trump. "Happy birthday! Although it's a few days late, I didn't have a chance to see you on your actual birthday. I also wish the US Army a happy 250th anniversary."

"The G7 can be said to have reached its 50th birthday as well," Carrie smiled. "Without American leadership, the G7 is nothing. So it's your personal leadership, the leadership of America."

"Under your leadership, both in geopolitical and technological issues, Canada and other G7 partner countries are willing to work closely with the United States,"

"I am very looking forward to this summit," Carrie said.

Trump nodded occasionally to indicate to Carrie while listening to these praises.

Trump said that there was a possibility of reaching an agreement with Canada, but emphasized that tariffs must play a role, which the Canadian government has always strongly opposed.

When asked what hinders the U.S.-Canada tariff agreement, Trump said it's not so much an obstacle as differing ideas. Some like the concept of tariffs, while others don't. He said, "I believe in tariffs; I have a tariff plan. Carrie has different views, and we will see if we can resolve this issue thoroughly."

"I am grateful. We have established a very good relationship. We will discuss many issues including trade." Trump said, "We have a top-notch economic team, and I know they are working well together. I am very much looking forward to our upcoming meetings."

Since the beginning of Trump's second term, he has repeatedly mentioned making Canada the "51st state" of the United States, while frequently wielding the "tariff stick," keeping bilateral relations tense.

Carrie won the Canadian election in April. In his victory speech early on April 29, he emphasized that the new Canadian government will not yield to US President Trump, criticizing Trump for fundamentally changing the world over the past few months and calling on Canadians to remain united.

The visit to the White House by Carrie in early May once caused anxiety among Canadian media, who worried that Carrie might be humiliated by Trump, repeating the scene of Zelensky's visit to the White House.

However, US media noticed that Carrie mainly used the strategy of flattery, seemingly successfully convincing Trump that he is easier to cooperate with than his predecessor Trudeau.

Carrie ultimately adopted a "soft and hard" approach in his meeting with Trump. While taking a tough stance on sovereignty issues, he also eased tensions by flattering Trump's "transformative leadership."

Carrie emphasized during the meeting that "Canada will never be sold," but Trump warned Carrie in person, saying, "Never say never."

Group photo of G7 leaders, CBC

The G7 Summit was held in Kananskis, Alberta, Canada, from June 16 to 17. With Carrie warmly welcoming Trump, news of thawing US-Canada trade relations emerged, but whether an agreement can finally be reached remains unknown.

Politico News reported that before the official G7 meeting on June 16, the US and Canada held a 70-minute bilateral meeting, including a 30-minute private talk between the two leaders.

Later, Carrie's office announced that an agreement had been reached with Trump, and both sides would complete a new economic and security agreement within 30 days.

This announcement came just hours earlier when Canadian officials stated that there was still much work to be done bilaterally.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that this is the first time the US and Canada have set a timetable in negotiations. Although Carrie prefers to resolve issues through private negotiations, if no agreement is reached within 30 days, Carrie may take retaliatory measures.

The statement from Carrie's office pointed out: "Prime Minister Carrie and President Trump exchanged the latest progress on key issues in the negotiation of the new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, and agreed to continue negotiations for 30 days to reach an agreement."

The spokesperson for Carrie confirmed that both sides hope to reach a substantive agreement within 30 days. The statement also added that the leaders also discussed cooperation on priority issues such as critical minerals, gun and drug smuggling, illegal drugs, border security, and potential areas of defense cooperation.

Despite showing a positive attitude, the Canadian government has yet to indicate whether it accepts the US position of retaining some tariffs. The White House has not issued a statement on this matter.

Currently, Canada is the largest supplier of steel products to the United States, yet it is affected by the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on steel, aluminum, and automobile exports. Carrie recently emphasized that intensive negotiations on the tariff issue are ongoing, and Canada is prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs if negotiations fail.

Reuters noted that over the past ten days, expectations for a quick conclusion to the US-Canada agreement have gradually cooled. Canadian officials privately revealed that the US seems in no hurry to push the negotiations to completion.

"We are still in the negotiation stage and have not reached an agreement. Our position is that Canadian exports to the US should not be subject to tariffs." Canadian Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman emphasized on June 16 that the Canadian side will continue to consult with the US to achieve the best possible outcome.

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

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516782548044071439/

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