“China has expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s imposition of tariffs, citing the fentanyl crisis in America as the main reason behind the move. On Saturday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, as well as a 10% tariff on goods from China, attributing the action to the need for Beijing to address the influx of fentanyl, a highly dangerous opioid, into the United States. China’s commerce ministry issued a statement criticizing Trump’s decision, stating that it flagrantly violated international trade regulations and called for constructive dialogue and enhanced collaboration between the two countries. The possibility of filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) was mentioned, though it was acknowledged that such a step would hold more symbolic value, a strategy previously employed by Beijing in response to tariffs imposed by the European Union on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has consistently emphasized the detrimental outcomes of a potential trade war, asserting that no one stands to benefit from such a conflict. The dispute over fentanyl emerged as a focal point of contention, with China asserting that the issue primarily concerns the United States. The Chinese government highlighted its efforts in combating the illegal drug trade, particularly in terms of cracking down on the supply chain of precursor chemicals required for fentanyl production. This stance was reiterated by China’s foreign ministry, underscoring the extensive anti-narcotics cooperation between the two nations and the positive outcomes that have been achieved through joint efforts. The American and Chinese flags were prominently displayed in Beijing on April 26, 2024, symbolizing the complex and evolving relationship between the two global powers.”