explored deeper economic cooperation with Beijing. According to Trump, closer economic engagement with China could expose Western nations to long-term strategic and security risks. He warned that economic dependence on Beijing may weaken national sovereignty and leave countries vulnerable to political and economic pressure. “It’s very dangerous for them to do that,” Trump said when asked about the UK’s approach to China, adding that similar moves by Canada would be “even more dangerous.” The British government has pushed back against the criticism, arguing that engagement with China is a pragmatic necessity rather than a strategic shift. Officials in London have emphasized that China is the world’s second-largest economy and that selective cooperation on trade does not undermine the UK’s security partnerships with the United States and its allies. During his visit to China, Prime Minister Starmer has promoted what Downing Street describes as a “balanced and realistic” approach pursuing economic opportunities while remaining firm on national security and human rights concerns. Canada has also found itself under increased scrutiny following diplomatic outreach to Beijing earlier this year. While Ottawa has stressed its commitment to existing trade agreements with the United States, Trump’s remarks signal potential friction should Canada move toward deeper economic ties with China. In the past, Trump has threatened punitive tariffs on allies who pursue independent trade arrangements that conflict with U.S. strategic interests, particularly involving China. Trump’s warning reflects broader tensions within the Western alliance over how to manage relations with China amid global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical competition. While Washington has taken a more confrontational stance toward Beijing, several U.S. allies are seeking to diversify trade partnerships to protect their economies from global shocks. China, for its part has rejected claims that doing business with Beijing poses inherent risks, repeatedly stating that its trade relationships are based on mutual benefit and non-interference. As global power dynamics continue to shift, Trump’s comments underscore the growing divide over China policy not only between Washington and Beijing but increasingly among long standing Western partners themselves. Source: Bloomberg