Trump Warns China Could ‘Devour’ Canada Over Greenland Dispute
US President Donald Trump on Friday criticized Canada for turning down his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense project concerning Greenland, cautioning that Beijing could “eat them up” within a year as the northern neighbor opts for closer relations with China instead of US-supported security. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada.” Instead, they voted in favour of engaging in business with China, who will ‘eat them up’ within the first year!” Trump’s outburst arises in the context of increasing tensions between the US and Canada, following recent statements made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos. On Wednesday, during his address at the 56th Annual Summit of the WEF, Trump criticised Carney, asserting that Canada should be more “grateful” to the US for the “freebies” it receives, including security protections. “Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way.” They ought to express gratitude, yet they do not. I observed your Prime Minister yesterday; he did not seem particularly appreciative. “They should be grateful to us,” Trump said, adding that his plan to build a “Golden Dome” missile defence system will also provide protection to Canada. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” Trump said, emphasizing the strategic and security role of the US in safeguarding its northern neighbor.
Trump’s remarks were directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who, in his WEF address, emphasized “an era of great power rivalry, where the rules-based order is fading,” and also criticized tariff coercion, subtly referencing Washington’s use of this financial strategy to acquire Greenland. On January 17, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated, “We are pleased to announce a new trade agreement with China.” Carney stated that the agreement would create opportunities in markets for Canadian businesses and workers. In a post on X, Carney stated, “We’ve secured a new trade agreement with China – unlocking more than $7 billion in export markets for Canadian workers and businesses.” A statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office declared, “In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada is building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy.” In pursuit of this goal, Canada’s new government is acting with urgency and determination to diversify trade partnerships and stimulate significant new levels of investment. “As the world’s second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission.”
Canada has consented to eliminate its 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric cars in exchange for reduced tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, as per reports. Carney stated that there would be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports to Canada, increasing to approximately 70,000 over a period of five years. China will lower its total tariff on canola seeds, a significant Canadian export, from 84 percent to approximately 15 percent, according to reports. Carney stated that China has emerged as a more predictable partner to engage with compared to the US. “Our relationship has progressed in recent months with China. It is more predictable and you see results coming from that,” Carney said.
Canada is confronted with a 35 percent levy on its goods. Canada is impacted by the comprehensive 50 per cent tariff on imported metals and 25 per cent on non-US automobiles. Meanwhile, China and the US engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of threats regarding 100 percent tariffs. However, following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, certain tariffs on Chinese products were exempted until November 10, 2026.
