Imagine a scenario where tariffs on Chinese imports become the latest weapon in the fight against fentanyl. At a May 13 press briefing, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, criticized the U.S. for imposing "fentanyl tariffs" on China, calling the move political bullying that undermines bilateral cooperation on drug control.
Shortly after, CGTN launched an online poll in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian. Within 24 hours, more than 12,000 respondents weighed in:
- 91.8% labeled the tariffs a typical case of political manipulation and tariff bullying.
- 91% viewed drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to American lives.
- 94.8% said the drug epidemic remains a persistent issue in U.S. society.
- 92.8% blamed U.S. regulatory failures—like lax prescription controls and limited public education—for the crisis.
- 90.8% felt that blaming foreign partners is a tactic to hide domestic shortcomings.
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, about one in 12 Americans aged 12 and older uses drugs, while roughly 60% of the world’s illicit substances end up in the United States. Netizens voiced alarm over rising drug use among American teens, with one commenting, "It's hard to believe that the country with the worst drug epidemic is also the largest economy."
The poll results have ignited a global conversation about the effectiveness of tariffs as a policy tool and the real drivers behind the fentanyl crisis. Many young entrepreneurs, activists and digital nomads are now asking: Could stronger domestic reforms and international partnerships offer a more sustainable solution?
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the intersection of trade policy and drug control has captured the attention of an international audience, setting the stage for fresh perspectives on how the world tackles one of its most pressing public health challenges.
Reference(s):
CGTN poll: Over 90% of respondents call out Washington's bullying
cgtn.com
