Comment: Can Canada receive clemency from the US by defaming China?
Canada is the largest neighbor and closest ally of the U.S., and is also a member of the Five Eyes Alliance.
CGTN – Recently, the governors of all 13 Canadian provinces and territories went to the United States to lobby American legislators, business groups, and labor leaders, attempting to plead for US clemency. These Canadian politicians even played the "China card" to convince Americans that they have a "common economic enemy," which is China.
Canada is the largest neighbor and closest ally of the U.S., and is also a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. But when it comes to interests, the U.S. is ruthless in its exploitation, coercion, and humiliation of Canada.
After being re-elected as US president, Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to "annex" Canada and make it the 51st US state. Earlier this month, the United States threatened to impose an additional 25% tariff on imports of Canadian goods under the pretext of fentanyl use and illegal immigration. Recently, Washington announced a 25% tax on all imported steel and aluminum, with Canada being one of the first to be affected.
US politicians aim to please the United States by defaming and expressing opposition to China. This tactic has been used many times in recent years, such as the illegal detention of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, the deployment of warships to the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, and the banning of Chinese 5G equipment, among others.
In reality, there are no conflicts of interest between China and Canada, and bilateral relations have long been at the forefront of relations between China and Western countries. China is Canada's second-largest trading partner, source of imports, and destination for exports.
As a sovereign nation, Canada has lost its own autonomy and self-respect. However, it did not obtain clemency from the US, but lost the valuable opportunity to cooperate with China.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership. For the country's future leaders, knowing how to maintain strategic autonomy, refusing to act as henchmen of the US, and regaining a rational understanding of China is undoubtedly a critical test.
Translation: Florbela Guo
Review by: Gabriela Nascimento
Source: CMG