U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Global News the White House is blocking CUSMA renewal because it fears Beijing could use Canada as a "back door" into the American market. Hours later in Vancouver, Prime Minister Mark Carney stood beside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and announced plans to finalize a free-trade agreement with Manila this year, deepening energy, defense, labor and migration ties.

Off the Record

This is not a coincidence. The...