Chinese Consul General Zhang Jianmin has criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, calling the move an unfair use of the fentanyl issue as an excuse. Speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday, Zhang warned that this action could undermine the foundation of China-U.S. cooperation in combating narcotics.
Zhang highlighted that China implemented strict controls over the manufacturing, sale, use, and export of fentanyl in 2019. Despite these efforts, he noted, the U.S. has continued to use the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to justify tariffs on Chinese goods.
“There will be no winner in a trade war,” Zhang stated, emphasizing that the U.S. approach would harm the interests of its own people, especially those on the West Coast who heavily rely on international trade. He cautioned that ordinary citizens would bear the brunt of the economic fallout.
The Consul General urged the United States to reconsider its stance, suggesting that it is unjust to blame China for domestic issues like the fentanyl crisis. “It’s easy to point fingers, but the problem is not caused by China,” he said.
Zhang called for a return to rational dialogue and mutual respect to resolve the ongoing disputes. He expressed that China’s goodwill should not be met with punitive measures like higher tariffs, describing such actions as deeply offensive to the Chinese people.
“It is unacceptable that our efforts are met with punishment,” Zhang concluded. “We hope the U.S. will come back to reason and work with us to find solutions through respectful dialogue.”
