China's Ministry of Public Security has fired back at new U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese imports under the guise of addressing the fentanyl crisis. In a fiery Sunday statement, officials called the 10% levy \"misguided\" and urged Washington to focus on domestic solutions rather than shifting blame. ๐ฅ
Whatโs the Beef?
๐จ๐ณ China claims itโs been a global leader in drug control, citing its 2019 decision to classify all fentanyl-related substances as controlled โ a move made \"out of goodwill\" at Americaโs request. Yet the U.S. hasnโt adopted similar permanent regulations, per Chinese authorities.
By the Numbers
๐ Since Chinaโs crackdown, zero cases of U.S.-seized fentanyl have been traced to Chinese sources. Both nations previously collaborated on drug control through intelligence sharing and joint operations, with Beijing calling recent tariff hikes a betrayal of this partnership.
The Bigger Picture
๐ฅ Chinese officials argue Americaโs opioid crisis stems from \"domestic demand and enforcement gaps\" โ not foreign imports. They warn that tariffs could unravel years of anti-drug collaboration, urging Washington to \"correct its mistakes\" for stable bilateral relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com