AsianFin -- Beijing on Friday accused the United States of using "tariff pressure and blackmail" after President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% duty on Chinese imports, citing the ongoing flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
The new tariffs, which come on top of a 10% levy introduced on February 4, coincide with the start of China's annual parliamentary session, a key political event where Beijing is expected to outline its economic priorities for 2025.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the U.S. for leveraging the fentanyl issue to justify tariff threats, stating that such actions have "created serious impact, pressure, coercion, and threats to bilateral dialogue and cooperation in drug control." Lin warned that the tariffs would ultimately backfire.
He emphasized that China has made significant progress in anti-drug cooperation with the U.S. and was the first country to officially regulate fentanyl-like substances.
The latest tariff threat follows Trump's announcement on Thursday that proposed 25% duties on Mexican and Canadian goods would take effect on Tuesday, alongside the additional 10% levy on Chinese imports.
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