Beijing [China]: China on Tuesday strongly criticised the United States for imposing tariffs related to the fentanyl crisis, calling the move unjust and harmful to bilateral cooperation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the issue of fentanyl is a domestic problem for the US and urged Washington to stop shifting blame.
“Fentanyl is the US’s problem, not China’s. It’s the US’s responsibility to solve the issue,” Lin said during a regular press briefing.
He further stated that China has shown goodwill in dealing with counternarcotics cooperation, but the US response—imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports—has damaged mutual trust.
“The US wrongly slapped tariffs on Chinese imports by citing the issue of fentanyl. The move has dealt a heavy blow to China-US dialogue and cooperation on counternarcotics, and gravely hurt China’s interests,” he added.
“If the US truly wants to cooperate with China, it should stop vilifying and shifting the blame on China, and seek dialogue with China based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
Trump Hails Geneva Talks as “Total Reset”
This development follows recent trade talks in Geneva, where both countries agreed to suspend reciprocal tariffs for 90 days. US President Donald Trump called the talks “very friendly” and hinted at a possible call with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
“China has been hurt very badly… They were happy to be able to do something with us… The relationship is very, very good,” Trump said at a White House briefing on Monday.
The temporary suspension of tariffs is seen as a positive step, but tensions over issues like fentanyl and trade practices continue to test the fragile detente between the world’s two largest economies.