On Sunday, the Chinese government expressed its “strong opposition” to the tariffs recently imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and promised to take “countermeasures” to protect its rights and interests. According to Chinese authorities, these unilateral tariffs “seriously violate” the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
China’s Reaction to the Tariffs
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade made it clear that it is “deeply dissatisfied” and “firmly opposes” the new tariffs. The official statement was direct in its criticism, stating that Trump’s decisions represent “wrong practices.”
Trump Announces the New Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that starting Saturday, a 25% tariff will be applied to products from Canada (except for hydrocarbons, which will have a 10% tariff), as well as products from Mexico. Additionally, Trump increased the existing tariffs on Chinese products by 10%. On his Truth Social account, Trump explained that these measures were taken under the Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to the “great threat” posed by illegal immigration and drugs such as fentanyl, which cause many deaths in the U.S.
China Prepares a Complaint to the WTO
Following the announcement of the tariffs, China quickly responded and stated that it would take legal action against the U.S. at the WTO. In its view, unilateral tariffs not only violate the organization’s rules but are also an attempt by Washington to divert attention from internal problems, such as the fentanyl crisis. “China hopes that the U.S. will address its problems objectively and rationally, rather than constantly threatening with more tariffs,” said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade.
The Consequences of the Trade War
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned that in trade wars, “there are no winners.” It stated that the new tariffs will negatively affect future relations between the two countries, particularly on key issues such as bilateral cooperation and drug control.
The U.S. Objective
Trump has made it clear that the main goal of these measures is to pressure Canada, Mexico, and China to take stricter actions in the fight against fentanyl trafficking, a highly dangerous opioid. The United States accuses China of being “a central actor” in this crisis, pointing out that the Chinese government allegedly “subsidized” Chinese chemical companies to export fentanyl.
The Fentanyl Conflict
In Washington’s view, China has not only failed to stop fentanyl trafficking but has also actively contributed to the expansion of this business. The tariff measures will continue until China demonstrates “full cooperation” in the fight against this deadly opioid.
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