The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Did Xi Own Trump - Reflections on a Big Week
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Nov 3, 2025 
Dr. Janice Stein, an international relations scholar at the Munk School, dives into the recent trade talks between China, the U.S., and Canada. She analyzes Trump’s diplomatic strategies, including his meeting with Xi, highlighting critical-minerals leverage. Janice discusses the challenges democracies face in long-term planning and assesses U.S. military posturing towards Venezuela and Nigeria. She also addresses the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the recent Dutch elections, emphasizing a shift against far-right populism.
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Temporary Truce, Long-Term Leverage
- The Trump-Xi meeting produced a temporary truce, not a durable solution on critical minerals and chips.
- China retains leverage and building alternative supply chains will take years and global cooperation.
Canada's Diplomatic Space With China
- Canada enjoys more goodwill with China than the United States, which gives Mark Carney room to open doors.
- That goodwill still collides with hard Chinese negotiating positions on tariffs and market access.
Build Diversified Trade Options Now
- Democracies must create diversified supply and trade options rather than expect long-term alignment on values.
- Work with like-interested partners (Europe, Canada, Australia) to build alternatives to Chinese dominance in critical sectors.