Speaking at a press conference late Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the notion that tariffs would help address US concerns over fentanyl trafficking from China.
“If the US truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to address each other’s concerns,” Lin said.
If the U.S. truly wants to solve the #fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals.
If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end. https://t.co/crPhO02fFE— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) March 5, 2025
“If the US has other agenda in mind and if war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” he added.
The fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Our countermeasures to defend our rights and interests are fully legitimate and necessary.
The U.S., not anyone else, is responsible for the #FentanylCrisis inside the U.S. In the spirit of humanity… pic.twitter.com/OjvSEcZS6o
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) March 4, 2025
The remarks came shortly after the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, alongside fresh 10% duties on Chinese imports. The latest round of tariffs doubled those imposed on China just a month earlier.
In swift retaliation, China announced new tariffs of 10% to 15% on key US exports, including chicken, wheat, soybeans, and beef. The Chinese duties will take effect on shipments departing from the US starting March 10.
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