China Slams US Tariffs Over Fentanyl, Calls Pressure Tactics “Unjustified”

Beijing Accuses Washington of “Smearing and Scapegoating” as Trade Tensions Escalate

Beijing [China], March 5: China has strongly criticized the United States for imposing higher tariffs on Chinese imports under the pretext of the fentanyl crisis, calling Washington’s actions “unjustified” and warning that such moves will not benefit anyone.

As tensions between the world’s two largest economies intensify, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian accused the US of spreading false information, scapegoating Beijing, and using economic pressure as a tool for coercion.

---

China Responds to US Tariffs on Chinese Imports

In a statement on March 5, Lin Jian reiterated China’s opposition to US pressure, threats, and blackmail over the fentanyl issue, emphasizing that Beijing remains open to “practical cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.”

“The US is spreading all kinds of false information on the fentanyl issue, smearing and scapegoating China, and hiking tariffs on Chinese imports over fentanyl. Such moves are unjustified and will do no one good.”

“China firmly opposes the US pressuring, threatening, and blackmailing under the pretext of the fentanyl issue. We urge the US to respect facts, bear in mind its own interests, and make the right choice.”

---

China Highlights Efforts in Fentanyl Control

Lin also outlined key takeaways from the white paper “Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances—China’s Contribution”, which details Beijing’s actions to curb fentanyl production and export.

According to the white paper:

• China became the first country in the world to impose full control over fentanyl-related substances on May 1, 2019.
• The government has strict regulations on fentanyl-related drugs, including manufacturing, sale, use, and export.
• Regular supervision, enhanced inspections, and innovative control measures have been introduced to combat illegal trade.
• Since 2024, China and the US have exchanged information over 100 times, leading to breakthroughs in transnational drug investigations.

“China has expanded the control list of fentanyl precursors and supervises their production, sales, purchase, transportation, and export,” Lin added in a post on X.

“We have been promoting China-US cooperation on drug control, leading to substantial progress in multiple transnational investigations.”

---

US Escalates Trade War, Doubles Tariffs on Chinese Goods

China’s remarks come in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, citing the fentanyl crisis as justification.

The Trump administration defended the tariff hike, claiming that it was necessary to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

China swiftly retaliated on Tuesday, imposing:

• 15% tariffs on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton imports.
• 10% tariffs on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Additionally, Beijing expanded its export control list, adding 15 more US companies, including drone manufacturer Skydio, preventing them from purchasing dual-use equipment from Chinese firms.

---

Targeted Retaliation: China Aims at Trump Supporters’ Industries

Experts believe that China’s countermeasures are strategically designed to hit industries critical to Trump’s voter base while leaving room for potential negotiations.

“China’s retaliatory tariffs follow a restrained, targeted approach aimed at causing pain to industries that matter the most to Trump’s supporters,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, head of the China Center for the Conference Board.

He added that this measured response allows room for future negotiations, potentially avoiding even more damaging trade conflicts.

---

Beijing Expands Countermeasures Against US

Beyond tariffs, China has announced additional restrictions on American products, including:

• Halting lumber imports from the US.
• Suspending soybean export permits granted to three US companies.
• Launching an anti-dumping probe into American fiber optic imports.

As US-China tensions continue to escalate, both sides appear unwilling to back down, raising fears of a prolonged trade conflict with significant global economic implications.

---

What’s Next? A Growing Economic Showdown

With tariffs escalating on both sides and Beijing accusing Washington of misusing the fentanyl issue for economic leverage, the possibility of a resolution seems uncertain.

Will the US and China find common ground, or is this the start of another full-fledged trade war? Only time will tell.

---

Tags:

China, US-China Trade War, Donald Trump, Fentanyl Crisis, China Tariffs, Trade Tensions, US Economy, Global Trade, Beijing Retaliation, Economic Sanctions