US-Canada: A divided alliance

In deciding to withdraw from the Joint Defence Council with Canada, the US argued that its neighbor had not yet invested in defense, military, and security budgets as Washington had expected.

Many NATO members have also been accused similarly by US President Donald Trump. However, the US policy is different and particularly noteworthy because the joint council with Canada was established in 1940, during World War II, and has existed longer than NATO. The council symbolizes the high level of military alliance and strategic trust between the two neighboring countries, the US and Canada.

US President Donald Trump will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in October 2025.

Photo: Reuters

In reality, the fact that the US and Canada have become divergent neighbors and a divided ally stems from many reasons, with disagreements over military and defense budgets being just one. More fundamentally, these disagreements are due to differing views on global political issues and a personal feud between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Trump provoked Canada by declaring his intention to annex Canada as the 51st state of the United States and imposing tariffs. In response, Carney not only countered forcefully but also used his resolute and assertive approach to consolidate his power in Canada. Prime Minister Carney did not support the White House in its war with Iran and delayed the implementation of the signed agreement for Canada to purchase 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States.

But even more significant was Carney's proposal for middle-sized countries to unite into a bloc to break free from their dependence on the United States in all aspects. Carney's proposal was the straw that broke the camel's back. The deterioration of neighborly relations and the loosening of alliances negatively impacted the relationship between the U.S. and all its other military allies.

Canadian Prime Minister: Close relationship with the US has become a burden.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-canada-dong-minh-phan-re-185260519213120716.htm