In a recent statement, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Public Security voiced strong dissatisfaction with the United States' decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on Chinese imports. The U.S. justified the tariffs under the pretext of addressing fentanyl-related issues.
The spokesperson emphasized that China maintains some of the strictest drug control policies globally, with rigorous enforcement mechanisms in place. \"China has consistently and resolutely fulfilled its international drug control obligations and actively engaged in international anti-drug cooperation with countries around the world, including the United States,\" the spokesperson stated.
Highlighting China's proactive measures, the spokesperson noted that China was the first country to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as a class in 2019, demonstrating humanitarian goodwill and responding to a request from the U.S. side. Contrary to this, the spokesperson pointed out that the U.S. has not taken similar permanent measures regarding fentanyl-related substances.
Despite these stringent regulations, there have been no reports from the U.S. about seizures of fentanyl-related substances originating from China since the implementation of these measures. This underscores the effectiveness of China's drug control policies.
Furthermore, the spokesperson highlighted the progress made between China and the U.S. in drug control cooperation, including substance regulation, intelligence exchange, and case cooperation, which have yielded tangible benefits.
Addressing the root causes of the fentanyl crisis, the spokesperson asserted that the issues lie within the U.S. itself. They advocated for reducing domestic drug demand and strengthening law enforcement cooperation as fundamental solutions. Shifting blame to other nations, according to the spokesperson, not only fails to resolve the crisis but also undermines the trust and cooperation between China and the U.S. in the field of drug control.
China urges the U.S. to reconsider its stance and protect the hard-earned progress in bilateral drug control efforts, promoting stable, healthy, and sustainable development in their bilateral relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
