In a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Chinese Consul General Zhang Jianmin criticized the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Chinese imports using the fentanyl issue as a pretext. His remarks highlighted the broader impact such measures could have on international trade and counter-narcotics cooperation.
Zhang explained that China has maintained strict controls over the manufacturing, sale, use, and export of fentanyl since 2019, demonstrating its commitment to effective measures for public health and safety.
The Consul General stressed that using the fentanyl crisis as an excuse for tariffs undermines an important foundation of China-U.S. counter-narcotics collaboration. He noted that punitive trade actions are unlikely to yield winners in a trade dispute.
Furthermore, Zhang warned that the U.S. approach might inadvertently harm economic interests on the West Coast—a region heavily reliant on external trade—ultimately affecting ordinary people the most.
Calling for a return to reason, Zhang urged U.S. authorities to engage in mutually respectful dialogue aimed at resolving issues constructively, rather than deepening trade tensions.
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Chinese Consul General criticizes U.S. tariff move on Chinese imports
cgtn.com
