A Chinese spokesperson on Tuesday responded to the United States' imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese imports, alleging that the US is misusing the fentanyl issue as a pretext to exert economic pressure on China.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that pressuring, coercing, or issuing threats is not the right way to engage with China. He emphasized that China’s countermeasures to defend its rights and interests are both legitimate and necessary.
Lin asserted that the root cause of the fentanyl problem lies within the United States itself. \"In the spirit of humanity and our friendship with the American people, we have taken strong steps to help the U.S. with its response to the fentanyl issue. This is obvious to all, and people from various sectors in the U.S. have expressed thanks to China on multiple occasions,\" he said.
Despite China’s assistance, Lin criticized the US for smearing and shifting blame onto China, applying tariff hikes as punishment. He argued that the US is punishing China for its efforts to help, rather than addressing the issue collaboratively.
Lin concluded by urging the United States to stand by the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit. He called for consultation with China to genuinely address each other's concerns and warned that if the US continues with its current approach of tariff wars, China is prepared to respond accordingly.
Reference(s):
Root cause of fentanyl issue in U.S., says China in response to smears
cgtn.com
