Tensions between China and the United States have escalated following an announcement by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
In a surprising statement, Trump unveiled his plan to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods from China.
This move, he claimed, aims to pressure the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping to halt the smuggling of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S.
Fentanyl, known for its pain-relieving properties, has often been misused, triggering a deadly overdose crisis in the U.S.
In 2021 alone, fentanyl misuse was reported to have caused more than 70,000 deaths. Trump asserted that his policy is a decisive step to combat this critical issue.
In response to Trump’s announcement, China’s spokesperson for the embassy in the U.S., Liu Pengyu, emphasized that the trade relationship between the two nations should be based on mutual benefit.
“China believes that economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S. is mutually beneficial,” Liu stated, as reported by AFP on Tuesday (November 26, 2024).
He also warned that no one would emerge victorious from a trade war.
Liu further explained that China has been collaborating with the administration of President Joe Biden to combat fentanyl trafficking.
Several agreements, he noted, have already been reached to strengthen law enforcement cooperation on narcotics.
“China has informed the U.S. of progress made in law enforcement operations related to narcotics,” Liu explained, as quoted by The Guardian.
He strongly rejected allegations that China intentionally allowed fentanyl precursors to flow into the U.S.
“This notion is entirely contrary to facts and reality,” he emphasized.
Despite this, Trump seems determined to proceed with his aggressive measures.
Through his social media platform, Truth Social, he announced plans for additional tariffs not only on China but also on Mexico and Canada.
Trump revealed that he would sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all imports from both countries, effective after his inauguration on January 20, 2025.
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute power to easily resolve this longstanding issue. It’s time for them to pay a very high price!” Trump declared, as reported by BBC International.
According to Trump, this move aligns with his economic vision, which focuses on protecting domestic industries, increasing tax revenues, and safeguarding American jobs.
Tariffs and trade wars have been central to Trump’s economic policies since his campaign days.
He believes these measures will not burden American citizens but instead target trading partner nations.
With optimism, Trump stated that such policies are a powerful tool to revitalize the U.S. economy and maintain national stability.
However, these policies are expected to provoke strong reactions not only from China but also from other trading partners.
The U.S.’s trade relationships with major nations could face renewed tensions, potentially opening another chapter in the global trade war that has long impacted the world economy.
