Trump warns Canada and UK over China ties, threatens tariffs on Canadian aircraft

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to longtime allies Canada and the United Kingdom regarding their recent efforts to strengthen economic ties with China, describing such moves as “very dangerous” for both nations. At the same time, he escalated a trade dispute with Canada, threatening to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% tariff on plane sales to the United States. The remarks highlight continuing strains between Washington and its allies over geopolitics, trade, and the influence of Beijing.

Trump made his comments on January 29 during the premiere of a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump. When asked about the recent UK-China summit in Beijing, he warned: “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that.” Turning his attention to Canada, he added: “It’s even more dangerous for Canada to get into business with China. Canada is not doing well… You can’t look at China as the answer,” quipping that Beijing might even forbid Canadians from playing ice hockey.

The US president’s comments were accompanied by a post on Truth Social, where he escalated his confrontation with Canada over aerospace trade. Trump announced that he would “decertify” Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express jets and all other aircraft made in Canada. He further warned that if the issue was not resolved immediately, he would impose a “50% tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America.”

While Trump framed this as a presidential authority, several Western media outlets pointed out that no US president has historically decertified foreign-made jets directly. Certification matters are typically handled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which had not issued any statement at the time of Trump’s remarks.

The tensions come amid wider efforts by both Canada and the UK to reset relations with China. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on January 29, calling for a “more sophisticated relationship” between the two countries. Downing Street described the state of UK-China relations as having shifted “from a golden age to an ice age.” The summit produced tangible results, including a reduction of Chinese import tariffs on British whisky from 10 percent to 5 percent and a confirmation of visa-free travel for British nationals visiting China for under 30 days. Additionally, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced plans to invest $15 billion in China through 2030.

Canada, too, has sought to ease tensions with Beijing. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the Chinese capital in mid-January, negotiating preliminary terms to allow capped imports of Chinese electric vehicles at a 6.1 percent tariff. Ottawa also expects China to reduce punitive tariffs on Canadian canola to 15 percent by March. At the time, Trump sharply criticized these efforts, claiming that China was “completely taking over” Canada and suggesting that the country “lives because of the United States.” He warned of 100 percent tariffs if Canada’s trade agreements with China proceeded.

China, however, maintained that its deals with Canada were not intended to target any third party. Beijing described the UK-China summit as a sign of willingness on both sides to strengthen dialogue and expand practical cooperation.

The trade dispute over Canadian aircraft adds a new dimension to US-Canada tensions. Canadian-made planes, particularly Bombardier jets, constitute a significant portion of the US aviation market. According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, approximately 5,400 Canadian aircraft are in regular operation in the United States, about half of which are Bombardiers. A White House official clarified that Trump’s proposed actions would not apply to Canadian-built planes already in operation.

Trump has a history of conflicts with Bombardier. In 2017, his administration supported a Boeing complaint claiming that Bombardier sold its CSeries jets at unfairly low prices. The US Commerce Department initially proposed tariffs approaching 300 percent. However, the International Trade Commission later overturned these tariffs, ruling that Boeing had not suffered harm from the Canadian company’s sales.

Observers note that Trump’s latest salvo is part of a broader pattern of confrontational diplomacy with Canada, including disputes over Greenland. The US president’s repeated threats to impose tariffs or decertify aircraft have stirred concerns in Ottawa over economic sovereignty and the stability of US-Canada relations. Canadian Prime Minister Carney reiterated that Ottawa has no intention of pursuing a free-trade agreement with Beijing, while urging Trump to respect Canadian sovereignty.

The US president’s criticism of the UK and Canada comes at a moment when Washington seeks to maintain a united front among Western allies in confronting China’s growing economic and geopolitical influence. The tension illustrates the challenges in balancing national trade interests with broader strategic partnerships. For Canada and the UK, deepening relations with China could yield significant economic benefits, including reduced tariffs, expanded market access, and major investments. Yet, these moves risk antagonizing the US, their longstanding ally and largest trading partner.

For the United States, Trump’s approach reflects a belief that any engagement with China by allies undermines US leverage over Beijing. The president has repeatedly framed China as a strategic competitor and a threat to American economic dominance. In this context, Canada and the UK’s outreach to China is portrayed as not just economically risky but potentially a geopolitical mistake that could weaken Western influence.

Industry analysts warn that imposing tariffs on Canadian aircraft or decertifying jets could have ripple effects on global aviation and trade. Bombardier, for instance, employs thousands of workers in Canada and contributes significantly to the aerospace supply chain in North America. Any disruption to sales or certification could affect not only the company but also US carriers that operate these planes.

The unfolding dispute also raises questions about the role of presidential authority in technical matters like aircraft certification. Traditionally, these decisions are regulated by the FAA and are based on safety and technical compliance rather than political considerations. Trump’s direct involvement, even if largely rhetorical, blurs the lines between regulatory oversight and political pressure, prompting debate over the norms governing international trade enforcement.

As the standoff develops, both Canada and the UK appear determined to maintain their independent foreign policies while managing the delicate balance with Washington. For the US, the challenge is to assert influence without alienating key allies whose cooperation is vital in areas such as security, intelligence, and economic stability.

Trump’s warnings and threats underscore the fragility of international trade relationships in a period of rising global competition. They also highlight the tension between short-term economic tactics and long-term strategic alliances-a dynamic that could shape Western relations with China and the United States in the years ahead.

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