Canada will promote "economic diplomacy" to fire back at U.S. President Donald Trump's 35-percent tariffs on Canadian goods from August 1, said Industry Minister Melanie Joly on Friday.
During a joint conference with Stephane Sejourne, executive vice-president of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Joly noted that Canada will promote economic diplomacy, put pressure on the United States, and at the same time protect and create jobs in the country.
Canada will continue to have open markets, including with the European Union, while the United States is closing its markets and taking its own path regarding protectionism, said Joly.
Trump announced the 35-percent tariff on Thursday. He posted a letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on his social media platform Truth Social, criticizing Canada for retaliating against previous U.S. tariffs.
The president pointed out that the new tariff is in part caused by the flow of fentanyl from Canada, as well as allegedly unfair trade practices, and that he would "consider an adjustment" to the tariffs if Canada cooperated with the United States to stop the flow of fentanyl.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on the same day that he will continue the trade talks with the U.S.side towards the revised deadline of Aug 1.
Carney said on his social media that throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended the Canadian workers and businesses.
He also added that Canada is to strengthen its trading partnerships throughout the world.
Canada to promote economic diplomacy to hit back at US tariffs: industry minister
Canada to promote economic diplomacy to hit back at US tariffs: industry minister
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
