In a recent CGTN poll, an overwhelming 91.8 percent of respondents have condemned the United States’ decision to impose “fentanyl tariffs” on the Chinese mainland, labeling it as a blatant act of political manipulation and tariff bullying. The move is seen by many as an attempt by Washington to deflect attention from its own struggles with drug control.
At a press conference on May 13, Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized the U.S. for disregarding goodwill efforts and unreasonably imposing these tariffs. “This action has severely impacted China-U.S. dialogue and cooperation in drug control,” Lin stated, emphasizing that it undermines mutual interests.
The issue of fentanyl has been a point of contention between the two nations. Lin stressed that fentanyl abuse is primarily a U.S. problem. Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he highlighted that among approximately 280 million Americans aged 12 and older, one in every 12 individuals uses drugs. Remarkably, about 60 percent of the world’s drug production is consumed by the United States.
The survey also revealed that 91 percent of participants view drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to the lives of the American people. A staggering 94.8 percent believe that the drug epidemic has become a persistent issue in U.S. society.
Voices from the online community expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of drug use among American youth. One netizen remarked, “The widespread drug use among American teenagers severely threatens public safety and social stability.” Another commented, “It’s hard to believe that the country with the worst drug epidemic in the world is also the world’s largest economy!”
These sentiments reflect a broader confusion: Despite repeated crackdowns, why does the drug epidemic in the U.S. persist? Critics point to a lack of effective action by the U.S. government in areas such as tightening prescription drug regulations and enhancing public education on the dangers of drug abuse. Some argue that, influenced by powerful interest groups and in pursuit of economic gains, authorities have tolerated, and even promoted, the legalization of certain drugs, exacerbating the crisis.
An astounding 92.8 percent of respondents believe this situation highlights a significant failure of the U.S. government in regulating drug abuse. Moreover, 90.8 percent think that by blaming other countries for its domestic fentanyl crisis and pursuing baseless lawsuits and sanctions, the U.S. is only undermining international cooperation in the fight against drugs.
The CGTN survey was conducted across multiple platforms in five languages—English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian. Within 24 hours, it garnered participation from over 12,000 internet users worldwide.
