China will swallow Canada: Trump

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada for opposing the proposed deployment of the “Golden Dome” air defense system in Greenland, warning that China could eventually “swallow” Canada as Ottawa deepens trade ties with Beijing.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday (January 23), Trump said Canada was resisting the installation of the US-led missile defense system in Greenland, despite the fact that it would also enhance Canada’s security. He accused Ottawa of prioritising trade relations with China over cooperation with Washington.

“Instead of helping us, they voted for doing business with China — a country that will swallow Canada within a year,” Trump wrote.

Since beginning his second term, Trump has repeatedly taken a hard line against Canada, frequently targeting its leadership in public remarks. His comments followed Canada’s recent trade agreement with China, signed during Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing, which reduced tariffs on selected goods between the two countries.

Trump has claimed the deal would allow China to expand its influence in Canada under the guise of trade. China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, and the two sides have recently moved to strengthen commercial ties following a period of strained relations.

Speaking earlier at the World Economic Forum, Trump said the Golden Dome deployment in the Arctic would “naturally” extend security benefits to Canada, arguing that Ottawa relies heavily on US support.

“Canada gets a lot from us for free,” Trump said. “They should be grateful.” He also warned the Canadian prime minister to “remember” the US role in Canada’s security before making future remarks about Washington.

Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected Trump’s comments, saying Canada’s success was not dependent on the United States. “Canada does not exist because of the US,” he said. “Canada is successful because we are Canadian.”