China has warned of potential countermeasures following President Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese imports related to fentanyl smuggling. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized U.S. blame-shifting and reiterated the strictness of its drug laws. The U.S. continues to face severe opioid-related deaths, while China claims cooperation in tackling fentanyl trafficking. The dispute emphasizes ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
China has stated it will implement “countermeasures” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports. This decision is made against the backdrop of Trump’s claims regarding the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States. The Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. for allegedly shifting blame related to the opioid crisis and emphasized the strictness of Chinese drug laws.
Trump indicated that this new tariff would be added to an existing 10% duty imposed earlier. The reason cited for the tariff coincides with unacceptable levels of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, entering the country from abroad. Trump’s broader tariff agenda also includes the proposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, set to take effect in March.
The Ministry of Commerce urged the U.S. to correct its approach to dispute resolution through dialogue rather than unilateral tariffs. They highlighted that such tariffs violate World Trade Organization regulations, thereby destabilizing international trade norms. The spokesperson reiterated China’s commitment to protecting its rights and indicated upcoming countermeasures if the U.S. follows through with its tariff plans.
The opioid crisis is severe, with over 74,000 overdose deaths due to synthetic opioids recorded in the U.S. in 2023, as reported by the CDC. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attributes the majority of fentanyl precursors to Chinese sources, which are then trafficked by Mexican cartels. In response, China has expressed its efforts to collaborate with the U.S. on drug control, including tightening regulations on fentanyl-related chemicals.
China’s reaction to Trump’s tariff announcement highlights the tensions between the two nations over trade and drug trafficking. The Chinese government firmly defends its measures against fentanyl while calling for constructive dialogue. The potential for countermeasures underscores the fragility of U.S.-China trade relations amidst the ongoing opioid crisis and the challenges posed by drug smuggling. The situation warrants careful monitoring as further developments unfold.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
