[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui] Since the change of administration in the US, the relationship between the US and Canada has been full of ups and downs. On May 23rd local time, a delegation composed of four Democratic members of the US Congress and one Republican member visited Ottawa in an attempt to ease the tense situation caused by Trump's economic pressure and political remarks.

These politicians also showed their "special skills". Some tried to move the other side with past mutual assistance between the two countries, while others advised Canadians to forget unpleasantness and look forward, even using so-called common threats like China to make their point.

According to a report on May 23rd by The New York Times, the purpose of this visit by the bipartisan congressional delegation was to stabilize relations with Canada. Members of the delegation wore US-Canada flag lapel pins and red-and-white friendship bracelets, meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Carney and other senior officials.

A press conference held by US politicians after meeting with Canadian officials, The New York Times

"We are well aware of the importance of Canada to each US state and the importance of the US-Canada relationship to both countries," said Jeanne Shaheen, the chief Democratic senator of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and senator from New Hampshire. "We hope this meeting can promote positive discussions and ensure that the rifts that have appeared in recent months are repaired, allowing us to move forward together."

In addition to Shaheen, the delegation included Tim Kaine, a Democratic senator from Virginia; Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic senator from Minnesota; Peter Welch, a Democratic senator from Vermont; and Kevin Cramer, the only Republican member and a senator from North Dakota.

The report pointed out that the "rifts" mentioned by Shaheen include Trump's tariff policies and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become the US's "51st state"—initially considered as Trump's humor or unconventional negotiation strategy but now widely regarded as an insult and harm to Canadian sovereignty.

"There are indeed rifts, and we all know this," said Welch. "Our goal is to work together for mutual benefit, just as before."

The members of the delegation also said they hoped to focus on how the US and Canada could jointly address common challenges.

"Whatever strategies or means he used in the past, I think they are now in the past," Cramer said when talking about Trump. "We are looking forward and addressing these issues."

Cramer also provoked by saying that many people consider the US to be a rival to Canada, but on the contrary, the two countries should focus on the real 'threats': China.

"I believe we can unite around a common opponent, integrate supply chains, leverage our respective strengths to deal with China, which is a major opportunity to repair relations."

As for Trump's annexation threat, Cramer joked, "We don't want a 51st state—but if Alberta joined, it would add two Republican Senate seats."

Klobuchar resorted to nostalgia, emphasizing that the US and Canada had supported each other during difficult times, such as when Canadian firefighters and emergency responders went to New York City to assist in rescue and recovery efforts after the 9/11 incident.

"They are our friends, allies, and partners. When we face major challenges like China and Russia, we should get closer, not further apart," she said.

US senators believe that strengthening bilateral relations is urgent. Kaine revealed that business owners in Virginia who rely on trade with Canada recently proactively requested to form a delegation to negotiate in Canada. "Never before have businesses collectively requested a visit to Canada, indicating that we may take this close relationship for granted."

In response to the olive branch thrown by US congressmen, Canada gave enough face.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, one of Canada's largest trade associations, participated in the meeting. He said that the reconciliatory tone from both sides was sincere and strategically considered: "We can clearly feel that both sides are taking reconciliatory words while maintaining independence, and there is an increasing willingness in the short term to solve bilateral problems together."

However, whether the US and Canada can "restore their relationship" remains a big question mark. After all, American arrogance and prejudice cannot be erased by a few sweet words.

Just before the leaders' meeting earlier this month, US Commerce Secretary Raimondeau told Fox News in an interview that he was not optimistic about the US and Canada reaching an agreement. In his mouth, Canada has become a "basically socialist regime sustained by the US."

"They have their socialist regime, and it is basically sustained by the US," he said. "I mean, (the president) has been pointing this out. Why do we produce cars in Canada? Why do we film movies in Canada? Come on."

As for the US politicians' attempt to use China to unite Canada, Canadian media has started reflecting on its past China policy.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) previously noted that under deteriorating US-Canada relations, urgent climate goals, and China's retaliatory tariffs against Canada, the tariff policy against China seems increasingly inappropriate.

"It's a foolish policy; we did it just to show loyalty to the US at the time," said Jessica Green, a political science professor at the University of Toronto who studies climate change. "Times have 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 trade policy, always assuming that the neighbor next door is a reliable partner."

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507881656095621666/

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