26-11-2024 (BEIJING) The Chinese Embassy in Washington has issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of renewed trade hostilities, following former President Trump’s announcement of plans to implement additional tariffs on Chinese imports upon his potential return to office.
In a firmly worded statement released Monday, Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu emphasised the “mutually beneficial nature” of bilateral economic relations between the world’s two largest economies, cautioning that “no one will win a trade war or a tariff war.”
The diplomatic exchange was triggered by Trump’s declaration to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports should he secure the presidency in January, citing concerns over illegal drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, into American territory.
Responding to these allegations, the Chinese Embassy highlighted recent progress in combating drug trafficking, pointing to collaborative efforts established during talks between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year.
“The suggestion that China knowingly permits fentanyl precursors to enter the US contradicts established facts and reality,” Liu stated, outlining various enforcement initiatives Beijing has undertaken.
Recent months have witnessed measured improvements in bilateral cooperation regarding illicit chemical trafficking. Following the Biden-Xi summit, both nations have engaged in unprecedented joint investigations, with China’s top prosecutor calling for intensified efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
In a significant development this August, Chinese authorities announced stricter controls on three critical fentanyl precursor chemicals, following discussions between both nations’ counternarcotics working groups.
The US has consistently pressed for enhanced law enforcement measures from Beijing, including stronger financial oversight and chemical controls, as it grapples with a devastating fentanyl crisis that has claimed numerous American lives.
