Global News Podcast China makes trade deal with Canada amid US tariffs
54 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
Stephen McDonnell, a BBC correspondent in Beijing, shares insights on Canada's new trade deal with China amidst rising US tariffs, questioning if Trump's policies are driving allies closer to Beijing. Amy Donilon, author of "Off the Scales," explores the evolution of GLP-1 drugs from diabetes treatment to weight-loss aids, discussing their societal impact. The conversation touches on strategic shifts in global alliances and the potential influence of health innovations on public policy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tariffs Reshape Global Alliances
- Trump's tariffs have pushed close US allies like Canada to deepen ties with China, creating new strategic alignments.
- Stephen McDonnell warns this undermines Western cohesion and plays into Xi Jinping's hands.
Maintain Trade While Protecting Security
- Keep separate trade cooperation from security concerns by maintaining clear 'guardrails' for sensitive areas like cyber and defence.
- Stephen McDonnell conveys governments can trade while retaining distrust in security domains.
China Sells Predictability Over Unilateralism
- China frames itself as stable and business-friendly compared with a chaotic, tariff-happy US, boosting its global appeal.
- Kerry Allen notes Chinese state media use this narrative to portray US 'unilateralism' as dangerous.
