China’s top diplomat has voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s recent import tariffs, describing them as “evil, two-faced acts” amidst growing trade tensions.
On February 1, the White House issued a statement concerning what it described as a “national emergency situation” related to the smuggling of deadly fentanyl into the United States.
“President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” the statement declared.
The statement further noted that until the crisis had been “alleviated” and the flow of fentanyl into the country had been “stemmed,” Trump would enforce an additional 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, according to PA, the U.S. has applied flat tariffs of 20 percent on all Chinese imports.
In response, Beijing has imposed an additional 15 percent duty on goods entering the U.S., which includes imported chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, as reported by the Global Times.
Reacting to these tariffs, a Chinese foreign minister accused the U.S. of having a ‘two-faced’ leader, suggesting that the country is being unfairly targeted.
The spokesperson alleged that Washington is ‘meeting good with evil’, claiming that Republicans have used fentanyl as a pretext to economically threaten China, according to NPR.
“No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time,” stated diplomat Wang Yi during a press conference on Friday, March 7.
“Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust.”
Wang, also a member of the elite Politburo, argued that fentanyl is ultimately an issue the United States is responsible for.
“In the spirit of humanitarianism, China has provided various forms of assistance to the U.S., and the U.S. should not repay goodwill with resentment or impose unjustified tariffs. This is not the behavior of a responsible major power.”
He further noted that when there is a “blockade,” there will be “breakthroughs”: “Wherever there is suppression, there will be innovation.”
“High walls cannot block innovative thinking. Decoupling and severed links will only isolate those who impose them.”
The diplomat urged U.S. officials to reflect on the outcomes of “years of tariff and trade wars,” emphasizing that “cooperation will lead to mutual benefit and win-win results.”
“But if one side insists on pressure, China will take resolute countermeasures.
“What has it achieved from tariffs and trade wars these years? “Has its trade deficit widened or narrowed?” he queried.
“Has US inflation gone up or down? Has the life of its people got better or worse?”
Wang asserted that China has contributed significantly to global stability in a volatile world, suggesting that Europe and China should enhance communications amidst rising uncertainty.
Neither the U.S. nor the Chinese government has indicated any ongoing trade negotiation talks or discussions aimed at lifting the tariffs.
Reports suggest that Trump and Xi Jinping, China’s paramount leader, have not communicated since Trump resumed office on January 20.
Earlier this month, the Chinese embassy issued a statement suggesting readiness for conflict if necessary:
“If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” stated China’s embassy on X, referencing a government statement as reported by BBC.