China criticized the U.S. on Wednesday for affecting bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation by imposing tariffs on Chinese goods related to fentanyl. They urged Washington to stop using the fentanyl issue as leverage to pressure China. President Trump increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 20% in response to what he claimed was China’s failure to prevent the shipment of chemicals used in making the deadly opioid fentanyl. A senior Chinese foreign ministry official expressed disappointment at the lack of appreciation from the U.S., despite progress in fentanyl cooperation. The official emphasized that the U.S. tariff actions were counterproductive and damaging to drug control dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. China has made efforts to control the fentanyl pipeline, but traffickers have adapted by utilizing precursor chemicals. The U.S. has called for increased law enforcement cooperation with China to address fentanyl-related issues.
