TAIPEI, Taiwan — The trade conflict between the U.S. and China is intensifying, particularly over the issue of fentanyl production and importation. President Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, claiming that China has not done enough to curb the production of precursor chemicals for fentanyl, which has contributed to a significant number of overdose deaths in the U.S.
In response, China has reiterated its intention to take necessary actions to protect its rights and interests. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging the U.S. to rectify its approach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive cooperation in counternarcotics efforts and fostering a stable U.S.-China relationship.
China argues that the U.S. is violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and plans to challenge the tariffs in international trade forums. The Chinese government has pointed out that the U.S. should focus on its own issues regarding fentanyl, rather than imposing tariffs on other countries. They claim that China has stringent policies against drug trafficking and that the U.S. has not reported any recent seizures of fentanyl precursors from China.
The ongoing trade dispute is compounded by a significant trade deficit that the U.S. has with China, which reached nearly $1 trillion last year. Tariffs could lead to increased prices for American consumers, affecting a wide range of products from toys to clothing. This economic tension could hinder China's export market as U.S. consumers may shift towards domestic products.
Additionally, illegal immigration remains a critical issue, with Trump warning that he would hold countries accountable for their nationals entering the U.S. unlawfully. Although illegal immigration from China is relatively low, it has not escaped the scrutiny of U.S. policies.
As the trade war escalates, the stakes are high for both nations, impacting economic relations and broader geopolitical ambitions.
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