Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said economic pressure from the United States and Europe nearly pushed Canada "into China's arms," according to comments made during an interview with CNBC.

Trudeau's remarks suggest that economic coercion from traditional Western allies created conditions that could have led Canada to strengthen ties with China as an alternative. The Prime Minister did not specify the exact nature of the economic pressure or provide a timeline for when this occurred.

In the same interview, Trudeau expressed skepticism about the current effectiveness of international organizations, telling CNBC that such institutions "may no longer be fit for purpose." This criticism reflects broader questions about the ability of existing multilateral frameworks to address contemporary global challenges.

The comments come as Canada navigates complex relationships with major powers including the United States, China, and European nations. Canada's foreign policy has faced particular scrutiny in recent years as tensions between Western nations and China have intensified over various trade, security, and human rights issues.

Trudeau's statements highlight the challenges faced by middle powers like Canada in maintaining balanced relationships while managing pressure from larger economic and political partners.