China has strongly criticized the United States for imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods under the pretense of addressing the fentanyl issue.
At a press conference during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress on Thursday in Beijing, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao condemned the U.S. move. Wang emphasized that China has implemented strict controls over fentanyl-related substances and has actively cooperated internationally on drug control efforts.
He accused the U.S. of using the fentanyl problem as an unjustified excuse to impose tariffs, calling it an unfounded and harmful action. “Trade wars have no winners, and protectionism offers no viable path forward,” Wang stated.
Earlier this week, the U.S. government announced an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods imported into the United States, citing the fentanyl issue as a primary reason. In response, China released a white paper detailing its stringent regulatory measures and commitment to global drug control.
Moreover, China announced countermeasures, including imposing additional tariffs of 15% on imported chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and 10% on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products from the U.S.
Wang criticized the U.S. tariff policy as a “classic case of harming others without benefiting itself,” noting that the announcement led to an immediate decline in the three major U.S. stock indices. He stressed that the unilateral and bullying actions of the U.S. run counter to global trends and have drawn widespread concern and opposition from the international community.
He further highlighted that U.S. trade and investment restrictions exemplify unilateralism and coercion, but such threats are ineffective against China. “China-U.S. cooperation is crucial,” Wang said, adding that the success of both nations presents mutual opportunities rather than threats. Cooperation aligns with the fundamental interests of their peoples and the expectations of the international community, he concluded.
