Beijing/Washington: China has strongly reacted to US President Donald Trump’s recent statement regarding the imposition of a 10% tariff on imports from China, vowing to safeguard its “national interests.” The comments, made by Trump during a press conference at the White House, are part of his ongoing stance against China’s role in the global fentanyl trade, which he claims is fueling the opioid crisis in the United States.
China’s Response to Tariff Threat
On Wednesday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized that China had always held the view that there were “no winners” in a trade war or tariff war. He reiterated that China would remain “firmly committed” to defending its national interests.
This statement came after Trump revealed that he was considering a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, effective February 1, in an effort to curb the flow of fentanyl, which he claims is primarily sourced from China and trafficked through Mexico and Canada.
Trump’s Tariff Justification
Trump’s justification for the tariff proposal centers on his belief that the Chinese government plays a significant role in the production and supply chain of fentanyl, an opioid that has caused thousands of deaths in the United States. He noted that the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has identified Chinese chemical companies as key players in the global fentanyl supply chain.
During the press conference, Trump stated, “For Mexico and China, we’re talking about approximately 25% tariffs,” referring to his broader strategy for tackling both illegal immigration and the fentanyl trade. While Trump’s comments included Mexico and Canada, his focus was clearly on China’s role in the drug crisis.
Previous Fentanyl Deal with China
Trump also recounted a previous discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he claimed they had reached an agreement to impose the maximum penalty for fentanyl dealers—the death penalty in China. Trump claimed that this agreement had been sidelined by President Joe Biden’s administration, leading to the continued flow of fentanyl into the US from countries like Mexico and Canada.
“I had a deal with him [Xi] where he was going to give the maximum penalty, which in China is the death penalty, for drug dealing,” Trump said. “If that deal had been followed through, fentanyl wouldn’t have been sent to the United States.”
Conclusion
Trump’s tariff threat comes at a time when tensions between the US and China remain high, particularly concerning trade imbalances and illegal activities. While the US seeks stronger action from China to tackle the fentanyl crisis, China’s response underlines its commitment to defending its economic interests against what it views as unfair international pressure.
As the situation develops, China’s ability to counteract Trump’s tariffs, both politically and economically, will play a crucial role in determining the future of US-China relations.
