Politics
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that his government has considered the possibility of potential U.S. military action against Canada as an “extreme risk.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that his government has considered the possibility of potential U.S. military action against Canada as an “extreme risk.” According to the U.S. newspaper The New York Times, Carney was asked whether he takes seriously President Donald Trump’s past statements about making Canada the 51st U.S. state. In response, he said governments have a responsibility to prepare for unusual but potentially serious circumstances. Carney said that considering such a threat is simply part of “risk management,” adding that it is not the baseline scenario for his government. According to the Canadian prime minister, he remains in regular contact with President Trump and has spoken with him several times even after trade negotiations between the two countries ended in August. He said the relationship between the two leaders is good in the sense that they can speak directly with each other on various issues.
It is worth noting that Canada suspended trade negotiations with the United States on August 21. According to Carney, Washington presented terms during the final stage of the negotiations that Canada considered unfair and harmful to its economy. Meanwhile, Canada is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States. Carney said his government is taking steps to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology and suppliers. These measures include seeking alternatives to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network and reviewing the proposed purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
According to the report, Canada also wants to expand its economic ties with other countries, including China. Carney made clear that Canada has no intention of expanding defense cooperation with Beijing. Nevertheless, he said there is still room for a mutually beneficial trade agreement with Washington.
