China Warns Against Trade War After Trump Tariff Threat

In recent developments, the ongoing tensions between the United States and China have escalated, particularly concerning trade relations. On November 25, the Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a statement emphasizing that neither country would emerge victorious from a trade war. This statement came in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all Chinese imports, set to take effect when he assumes office on January 20.

According to Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, the economic and trade cooperation between the US and China is fundamentally beneficial for both nations. Liu highlighted that the imposition of tariffs would not only harm China but also negatively impact the US economy. Trump’s rationale for the tariffs centers around the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, from China into the United States. He has stated that these tariffs would remain until China takes decisive action to halt this drug trafficking.

In response to these allegations, Liu pointed out that China has already taken significant steps to combat drug trafficking. He referenced an agreement reached last year between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aimed to enhance cooperation in law enforcement against narcotics. Liu stated, "The Chinese side has notified the US side of the progress made in US-related law enforcement operations against narcotics." This indicates that both countries are working together to address the pressing issue of drug abuse, particularly fentanyl, which has become a major cause of death in the US.

Moreover, Liu firmly rejected the notion that China is knowingly allowing fentanyl precursors to flow into the US, asserting that such claims are "completely counter to facts and reality." This statement underscores the complexities of the situation, as both nations navigate the challenges of drug trafficking and trade relations.

There has been noticeable progress in cooperation between the US and China regarding the shutdown of illicit traffic in chemicals used to produce fentanyl. Following the agreement between Xi and Biden, both countries have resumed joint efforts to tackle this critical issue. In June, China’s top prosecutor urged law enforcement officials to intensify their focus on combating drug trafficking, which reflects a commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the US.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the relationship between the US and China is at a crossroads. The potential for a trade war looms large, but both nations must recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges, such as drug trafficking. The stakes are high, and the consequences of a trade war could be detrimental to both economies. It is essential for leaders on both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions that benefit not only their respective countries but also the global community.