China has warned of potential countermeasures following President Trump’s announcement of a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods aimed at addressing fentanyl smuggling. Trump justified the tariff by alleging high levels of fentanyl entering the U.S. from China. In response, China denied these claims, urged for dialogue, and defended its strong drug laws, while highlighting its cooperation with the U.S. on drug control.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has issued a warning regarding potential “countermeasures” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. This tariff is being enacted as part of a broader strategy from Washington to address issues related to the trafficking of fentanyl, which has significantly impacted the opioid crisis in the United States.
During a recent communication, President Trump indicated that the new tariff would be levied in addition to an existing 10 percent duty applied earlier this month. He emphasized that the measure was necessary due to what he termed the “very high and unacceptable levels” of fentanyl entering the U.S., which is primarily sourced from precursor chemicals originating in China.
In reaction to Trump’s assertions, the Chinese government refuted his claims, stating that its drug laws are among the most stringent globally. Chinese officials accused the U.S. of “shifting the blame and shirking responsibility,” urging for a return to constructive dialogue for resolving trade disputes. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of equal negotiations and expressed China’s opposition to unilateral tariffs, citing violations of World Trade Organization regulations.
The ongoing opioid crisis has claimed the lives of over 74,000 individuals in the U.S. due to synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl trafficking is significantly supported by Mexican cartels using chemicals sourced from China. In light of these concerns, Beijing has committed to collaboration with the U.S. in drug control measures, including regulating fentanyl-related substances.
In conclusion, China’s Ministry of Commerce has responded to the United States’ announcement of increased tariffs with the threat of countermeasures, emphasizing the need for dialogue over blame. The opioid crisis remains a critical issue, with over 74,000 deaths attributed to synthetic opioids this year, stressing the importance of cooperation rather than conflict between the two nations in addressing drug trafficking and broader trade relations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
