Prime Minister Says Will Promote Diversification of Defense Cooperation
According to a report by Reference News on May 22, the U.S. newspaper The Hill reported on May 19 that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed the Pentagon's sudden decision the day before to suspend the operations of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee. He stated that Canada will continue to cooperate with Washington on defense but will also seek to collaborate with other partners.
At a press conference in Quebec, Carney said that while the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee, established in August 1940, has a long history, the significance of the Trump administration's suspension of the committee's operations should not be "exaggerated."
Carney said, “There are many ways to cooperate (with the U.S.), and we will continue to work together. However, as a member of NATO, we will also collaborate with other partners to diversify our defense cooperation. We should also play a role in key regional issues such as Ukraine.”
On the 18th, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby announced that the U.S. would suspend the operations of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee, seemingly blaming Carney's remarks at the World Economic Forum earlier this year.
Colby posted on the X platform, saying, “A Canada that prioritizes hard power rather than empty rhetoric is beneficial for all of us. Unfortunately, Canada has failed to make credible progress on its defense commitments. The Department of Defense will suspend the operations of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee to reassess how to make the committee more beneficial for North American collective defense.” (Translated by Pan Xiaoyan)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on May 19, 2023, plans to diversify defense cooperation with partners beyond the United States, following the U.S. Department of Defense's suspension of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee. Carney stated that while the committee has a long history, Canada will continue to collaborate with the U.S. and other partners, particularly in critical areas such as Ukraine.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the suspension of the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Defense Committee.
- Carney emphasized the importance of diversifying defense partnerships beyond the U.S.
- The U.S. Department of Defense announced the suspension of military consultations with Canada due to perceived shortcomings in Canada's defense commitments.
- Carney mentioned the need for Canada to play a role in key areas like Ukraine.