China Responds to Trump's Tariff Threat, Emphasizes Counternarcotics Cooperation

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to President-elect Donald Trump's accusations regarding fentanyl trafficking and the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese imports. The spokesperson emphasized China's commitment to counternarcotics efforts and urged the U.S. to value their collaboration.

The spokesperson highlighted China's stringent anti-drug policies and implementation, including the scheduling of all fentanyl-related substances in 2019, a first among nations. They expressed China's willingness to continue collaborating with the U.S. on counternarcotics based on mutual respect and benefit.

The spokesperson also pointed to the extensive and productive counternarcotics cooperation between China and the U.S., citing the establishment of a working group on the issue and a recent meeting in Washington. They cautioned against a trade war, emphasizing the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, further elaborated on China's efforts in combating fentanyl trafficking. He highlighted China's progress in U.S.-related law enforcement operations against narcotics and their responsiveness to U.S. requests for information and action. He refuted the notion that China knowingly allows fentanyl precursors to flow into the U.S., stating that it contradicts factual evidence.

The exchange highlights the complex relationship between China and the U.S. regarding drug control and trade. While both countries acknowledge the severity of the fentanyl issue, differing perspectives and approaches remain. The future of their collaboration on this front, and its potential impact on the broader relationship, remains to be seen.