China Warns of Countermeasures Following New US Tariffs on Imports

China has warned of retaliatory measures following Trump’s announcement of a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods aimed at addressing fentanyl smuggling. The Ministry of Commerce criticized the US for deflecting blame regarding the opioid crisis and reiterated China’s commitment to strict drug laws. They asserted that unilateral tariffs violate international trade rules and called for dialogue instead of confrontation.

China has responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports by warning of potential countermeasures. The tariffs are intended to address the issue of fentanyl smuggling into the United States. Trump’s proposal follows an earlier 10 percent duty imposed earlier this month, though he plans to implement it next month amid claims of ‘unacceptable’ levels of fentanyl entering the US.

In a rebuttal to these tariffs, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that China has some of the world’s strictest drug laws and criticized Washington for ‘shifting the blame’ regarding the opioid crisis. The spokesperson emphasized the necessity for the US to engage in equal dialogue to resolve disputes rather than continuing down a unilateral tariff path.

The Ministry warned that should the US persist with these tariffs, China would adopt measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. They reiterated that such unilateral tariffs are in violation of World Trade Organization rules, undermining the global trading system. Notably, the United States has witnessed over 74,000 fatalities linked to synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023 alone, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.

In conclusion, China’s strong condemnation of the new tariffs reflects its stance on addressing the fentanyl crisis collectively while asserting its trade rights. The potential for countermeasures illustrates the ongoing tension between the US and China regarding trade issues and drug policies. Both nations must strive for a dialogue-based resolution to these pressing concerns that affect not only their economies but also public health.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com