Beijing Gives Stern Warning in Response to Donald Trump's Threats

The Chinese embassy in the U.S. has come down heavily on the tariffs levied by the Trump Administration over the fentanyl issue. Urging the U.S. to engage in equal consultation with China to address the matter, the latter’s embassy posted on X, “If the US truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals. If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”

Beijing has dismissed the fentanyl issue as a justification for tariff increases on Chinese imports. A ministry spokesperson said that China’s actions to safeguard its rights and interests were both legitimate and necessary.

The statement added, “The US, not anyone else, is responsible for the fentanyl crisis. In the spirit of humanity and goodwill towards the American people, we have taken robust steps to assist the US in dealing with the issue. Instead of recognising our efforts, the US has sought to smear and shift blame to China and is seeking to pressure and blackmail China with tariff hikes. They’ve been PUNISHING us for helping them. This is not going to solve the US's problem and will undermine our counternarcotics dialogue and cooperation.”

Imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods

The Trump administration has imposed additional tariffs of 10% on Chinese goods, thereby doubling the import duty to 20%. These tariffs came into effect on March 4. Similar measures have been taken against Canada and Mexico over the same issue. Notably, such measures have caused tensions among the trading partners. The move can also exacerbate economic growth in the U.S., which is already witnessing prolonged inflation.

Previously, Trump accused the top three U.S. trading partners of not doing enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the country.