Tensions between the United States and China have escalated once again after Washington imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese products, citing fentanyl concerns. In response, Beijing firmly rejected the move, emphasizing that trade wars yield no winners and urging diplomatic dialogue instead.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated on Thursday that Washington’s ongoing trade wars would only prove counterproductive. “Trade and tariff wars have no winners,” Lin declared, emphasizing China’s strong opposition to the tariff increase.
China has called on the U.S. to rectify its approach and address trade concerns through equal-footed consultation rather than unilateral actions. Lin insisted that fostering sustainable bilateral relations requires cooperation rather than economic pressure.
Following the U.S. tariff imposition, China retaliated with counter-tariffs ranging from 10 to 15 percent on select American imports. Despite these measures, Beijing maintains its stance that dialogue and mutual respect should take precedence over economic confrontations.
The dispute deepened after former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he was in no rush to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the tariffs. However, China asserted that its position remains unchanged. Lin Jian noted that the two leaders last communicated on January 17, during which China clearly outlined its position on trade and mutual cooperation.
“In their phone conversation, China expressed its principled stance, and both parties reached a mutual understanding on fostering beneficial cooperation,” Lin explained. He reiterated that tariff hikes are not a viable solution, advocating for diplomatic negotiations instead.
A key point of contention between the two nations is fentanyl. The U.S. has linked its decision to impose tariffs to concerns over fentanyl trafficking, arguing that China needs to do more to curb the flow of the substance. Beijing, however, strongly refutes these claims, arguing that it has taken comprehensive measures to combat fentanyl production and distribution.
“China is among the world’s toughest nations on narcotics control, both in terms of policy and enforcement,” Lin Jian emphasized. “The fentanyl crisis is a U.S. issue, and the root cause lies within the country itself.”
China has also highlighted its cooperation with the U.S. on counternarcotics efforts. Lin noted that Beijing was the first country to officially classify fentanyl-related substances as a controlled category in 2019. Since then, China has engaged in extensive collaboration with the U.S., sharing intelligence, assisting in law enforcement cases, and removing online advertisements for illicit substances.
Despite these efforts, Washington remains firm on its new tariffs. Beijing has expressed frustration, stating that its counternarcotics progress has been substantial and should not be used as a pretext for economic retaliation.
Lin criticized the U.S. for shifting blame, insisting that “scapegoating others cannot solve problems.” He suggested that the U.S. should focus on reducing domestic drug demand and strengthening its internal enforcement mechanisms rather than imposing economic penalties on China.
As tensions mount, both nations stand at a crossroads. While tariffs escalate the trade conflict, China remains firm in its calls for mutual dialogue and respect. The question remains whether Washington will heed Beijing’s plea for negotiation or continue down a path of economic confrontation.
