ISTANBUL

China’s strategic cooperation with Canada reflects equality and inclusiveness, Beijing told the US on Wednesday, responding to threats by US President Donald Trump to block a bridge connecting Ontario to Michigan.

“China and Canada have established a new type of strategic cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference in Beijing.

“This reflects equality, openness and inclusiveness, peaceful cooperation and shared benefit. It does not cover any third party,” Lin added.

He said the cooperation “serves the common interests of the people of both countries and is conducive to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.”

Lin’s remarks came after Trump criticized the newly built Ontario-Michigan bridge on Monday, alleging Canada built it with “virtually no US content.”

Trump warned that the project would not proceed unless Washington's demands are met.

“I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the fairness and respect that we deserve,” he said.