Justin Trudeau: Economic pressures from the US and Europe have nearly pushed Canada towards China

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the economic pressures exerted by the United States and Europe nearly led Canada to collaborate with China, in the absence of viable alternatives in Western markets.

Speaking at the CONVERGE LIVE event in Singapore, Trudeau exemplified the situation of Bombardier, which faced difficulties in selling aircraft due to fierce competition with Airbus and Boeing. Chinese investors made generous offers to acquire the company, in the context of failed negotiations with Western partners.

Trudeau emphasized that, in 2017, the G7 summit was crucial to avoid ceding control over a strategic sector. He warned that U.S. trade policies, including threats of tariffs, could drive Canadian industries to seek alternative partnerships with Beijing. Additionally, Canada was forced to diversify its trade partnerships, including through agreements with Europe, after imposing a 50% tariff on aluminum imports from the U.S.