China has reacted strongly to President Trump’s announcement of a new 10% tariff on Chinese goods linked to fentanyl trafficking. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has condemned the U.S. for shifting blame regarding the opioid crisis and promised necessary countermeasures. Both nations face a complicated relationship amid ongoing challenges related to drug enforcement and trade policies.
China has issued a warning to the United States regarding potential “countermeasures” in response to the announcement made by President Donald Trump regarding new tariffs on Chinese imports. The proposed 10% tariff comes amid allegations that China is responsible for the smuggling of fentanyl into the U.S., which has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis. Trump’s declaration also confirmed that he would proceed with previously suggested tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods starting March 4.
On the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump characterized the new tariffs as a necessary action against “very high and unacceptable levels” of fentanyl, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis. In retaliation, China’s Ministry of Commerce defended its drug policies, claiming they are among the strictest globally. The ministry accused the U.S. of “shifting the blame and shirking responsibility” for its domestic opioid issues.
The spokesperson for the Ministry urged the United States to refrain from repeating past mistakes and to engage in equitable dialogue for resolving disputes. The ministry firmly stated, “If the U.S. insists on proceeding with this course of action, China will take all necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” Additionally, they reiterated that unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and threaten the integrity of the multilateral trading system.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 74,000 individuals in the United States died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identifies China as the primary source of precursor chemicals used in the illicit production of fentanyl, which is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels. In response, Beijing contends that it has cooperated with the U.S. to combat fentanyl trafficking by regulating substances and engaging in substantial practical collaborations in drug control.
In summary, the tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to Trump’s announcement of additional tariffs aimed at combating the opioid crisis, which China attributes to the blame-shifting by the U.S. While both nations express a commitment to addressing drug-related issues, their approaches reveal significant differences, particularly concerning trade practices and cooperation measures.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
