Beijing has strongly opposed former US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, accusing Washington of deflecting blame for the fentanyl crisis while vowing to take countermeasures to protect its interests.
China’s Commerce Ministry criticized the move, asserting that the country has some of the world’s strictest anti-drug policies. It also warned that further tariffs would disrupt global supply chains.
Trump’s proposed tariffs, which include a 25% duty on Mexican and Canadian goods set to take effect on Tuesday, come just days before China’s annual parliamentary meetings, where Beijing will outline its economic priorities for 2025.
With tensions rising, analysts suggest that Beijing still hopes for negotiations, but with the US showing signs of deeper economic decoupling, the prospects of a trade resolution appear slim.
“If the US insists on proceeding with this course of action, China will take all necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” a Commerce Ministry spokesperson stated.
The White House maintains that the tariff decision stems from concerns over fentanyl flows into the US. Meanwhile, China’s Public Security Ministry highlighted its efforts in cracking down on drug precursors, adding multiple chemicals to control lists and seizing over 1,400 tons of drug-making materials last year.
Both sides appear to be bracing for prolonged economic friction, with the Chinese government emphasizing plans to mitigate external shocks, while the US recently labeled China a “foreign adversary” in an investment policy memorandum.
With Beijing preparing its next steps and Washington tightening restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology, trade relations between the world’s two largest economies are set for another turbulent phase.
