U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Canada on Wednesday evening (March 12) for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Summit, held against a backdrop of growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters before the summit, Rubio downplayed suggestions that the gathering would address the purported U.S. "takeover" of Canada. Nevertheless, President Donald Trump's provocative rhetoric about making Canada the 51st U.S. state continues to loom over the proceedings.
Since Trump reclaimed the presidency in January, his remarks have severely strained Washington-Ottawa relations. His repeated references to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a "governor" have only deepened the rift, sparking outrage among Canadian officials and citizens alike.
The G7 summit, bringing together foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, is taking place at the scenic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu river resort from March 12 to 14. While Trump's inflammatory comments are not formally on the agenda, they are expected to be a focal point in behind-the-scenes discussions.
Pressed by journalists about Trump's divisive statements, Rubio redirected the conversation toward areas of U.S.-Canada cooperation. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding North American airspace and addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Simultaneously, a deepening trade war between the U.S. and Canada is compounding diplomatic tensions. The Trump administration has accused Canada of inadequately combating the flow of deadly fentanyl opioids and their precursor chemicals into the U.S. In retaliation, Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, further fraying economic ties.
As tensions continue to escalate, Trump remains committed to reshaping global trade norms to favor U.S. interests. Whether the G7 summit will serve as a platform for reconciliation or further aggravate the strained relations between the two countries remains uncertain.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.
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President Donald Trump has vowed to respond to the European Union's counter-tariffs, escalating tensions over the U.S. steel and aluminum duties that have sparked a trade dispute between the two economic powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia and Ukraine cease attacking each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days, the Kremlin said following a lengthy phone discussion between the leaders.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss the progress made by U.S. President Donald Trump in ceasefire talks with Russia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
South Korean police will deploy 14,000 officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, anticipating protests and security threats. The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict soon, with heightened measures in place.
China and Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas, including trade, security, and Belt and Road projects. At a high-level meeting in Beijing, officials emphasised stronger political ties, economic collaboration, and cultural exchanges to advance their strategic partnership.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams completed an unexpectedly long 286-day mission on the ISS, returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule after delays caused by technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss the progress made by U.S. President Donald Trump in ceasefire talks with Russia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
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