In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada, Mexico, and China, tensions have escalated over the production and importation of the opiate fentanyl, trade surpluses, and illegal border crossings. China has expressed its concerns and intentions regarding the situation.
China has stated its readiness to take 'necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests' following the U.S.'s decision to impose tariffs on China for allegedly not doing enough to curb the production of precursor chemicals for fentanyl. China has emphasized the need for the U.S. to correct its actions and maintain positive dynamics in counternarcotics cooperation.
China has accused the U.S. of violating World Trade Organization rules and has pledged to bring a case before the global commerce governing body. The Ministry of Public Security and the Commerce Ministry have echoed these sentiments.
President Trump has blamed China for allowing the production of fentanyl, which is then processed in Mexico and smuggled into the U.S., resulting in a high number of overdose deaths annually. In response, China has urged the U.S. to address its own fentanyl issue objectively and rationally.
China's significant trade deficit with the U.S., nearing $1 trillion last year, has been a focal point of Trump's grievances. The imposition of tariffs could lead to increased costs for U.S. consumers, potentially impacting China's export market. The Chinese economy faces challenges, including a lackluster response to government stimuli and concerns over mounting public debt.
President Xi Jinping's ambitions to surpass the U.S. economically and politically could face setbacks due to economic stagnation. Additionally, Trump's emphasis on curbing illegal immigration has been evident in tariff actions against Mexico, Canada, and other countries. While illegal arrivals from China are relatively low, Trump's stance on holding nations accountable for unlawful entries remains firm.
