The American President, the American people, the American media are all consumed right now with Iran. And the price of gas. And the cost of groceries. And even the deterioration of US democracy, gerrymandering, women’s, gay, abortion rights and, of course, the Epstein files.
But 10 years from now … when today’s “news” fades into history … the BIGGEST gaffe, blunder of the Trump administration … his legacy … will be how the US let China plant itself so firmly along America’s northern border … in Canada!
The Mad Hatter, for months, has insulted, demeaned, threatened, bullied and tariffed its once most loyal, supportive, integrated ally for more than a year now … and has hurt it badly, in more ways than one.
Canada lost 18,000 more jobs in April, bringing the total to more than 100,000 jobs lost since January 1st, mostly due to US tariffs on our steel, aluminum, auto parts and forest products .
The Canadian economy is bleeding.
BUT the tariffs also cost United States auto industry an estimated $12.5 Billion in 2025 alone; 42% of US firms have reported supply chain disruptions; 63% complain of higher costs; and, 53% have reported reduced profits.
And Canadians are pushing back … hard!
America’s border towns/cities/businesses are suffering huge losses as Canadian shoppers stay away in droves; tourism in many US states has been badlywounded; the American cruise industry is missing thousands of Canadian passengers; and, US beer/wine/spirits producers are literally crying in their suds as all but two provinces ban, and millions of Canadians boycott their goods.
However, the worst long-term impact of Trump/America’s “war” against Canada has almost completely been unnoticed or ignored by the American President, the American people, the American media: how China is moving in to take up the slack … and increase its stake, its investment, its presence, its influence in Canada.
In January, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China, his office explaining “As the world’s second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission.”
“Canada’s new government is working with urgency and determination to diversify our trade partnerships and catalyse massive new levels of investment,” the PMO announced.
In other words: Welcome back to Canada, the People’s Republic of China … our former foe!
Last month, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne led a trade mission to China, noting “”China is the second-largest economy and our second-largest trading partner, so you have to engage.”
Other federal Ministers making pilgrimages to China: Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand: Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald; and, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.
BC Premier David Eby will also be leading a trade mission to China this year … “to deliver the message that B.C. is a predictable and dependable trading partner amidst global uncertainty, caused first by U.S. tariffs and now by the war in Iran,” the Agassiz-Harrison Observer noted.
““We are a stable jurisdiction in a very unstable time,” Eby said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe led a delegation to China last September; Alberta’s Agriculture Minister is heading there with his trade officials soon; and, in February the Manitoba government “exchanged letters of co-operation with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).”
And China has responded with warm welcomes, smiles and several new agreements.
Canada will allow China to ship up to 49,000 electric vehicles (that’s just the start) to Canada, at only a 6.9% tariff rate … down from the 100% former tariff rate imposed when our auto trade was highly tied to the US; China has renewed its interest in Canadian resources (LNG/Oil/Mining); promoting increased co-operation with Canada in developing batteries, solar panels, wind technologies; building more ferries/ships; and, watch for increasing Chinese interest and investment in major infrastructure projects.
In return, China has already reduced or eliminated its former crippling ban/tariffs on Canadian canola, soy, seafoods, beef, wood products. (The 25% tariff on Canadian pork may also be reduced or eliminated too!)
And how’s this: Canadians can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business and family visits.
Clearly, Trump and America’s attacks/tariffs/war on Canada have forced us to set aside … and maybe even forget … how China held our two Michaels hostage for more than 1,000 days, its abuse of the Uyghurs, the lack of human rights (FREE JIMMY LAI!!!) , it’s support for the oppressive regime in Iran and the murderous Putin and Russia in its Ukraine War.
China has made substantial inroads with Canada in a very short time … taking advantage of Trump’s terrible mishandling of this nation … and will no doubt try to expand and enhance its interests/presence/influence here even more over the next two years.
Does anyone doubt China won’t use its substantially increased investment/trade/imports ties to influence/pressure/soften Canada’s criticisms and even actions on the world stage? (In fact, I’d say that has already started!)
Amazing that Trump/US administration/people/media, as they face increased animosity and isolation in the world, haven’t noticed China’s renewed/expanding ties with Canada, are too stupid … or just don’t care.
Until the US wakes up with a strengthened, empowered, entrenched China dug in deep, right at its back door … in Canada.
It’s then that history will chastise and condemn Trump/administration for letting Canada … a once reliable, loyal neighbour and trustworthy ally slip so easily into China’s grasp!
Harv Oberfeld
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