The statement comes amid reports that President Trump and China’s leader have still not made contact since he resumed office
China’s top diplomat has reacted to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed ‘arbitrary’ import tariffs, branding them as ‘evil, two-faced acts’ amid escalating trade tensions.
On February 1, the White House sounded the alarm on what it described as a ‘national emergency situation’ — the relentless smuggling of lethal fentanyl into the United States.
“President Trump is taking bold steps to ensure Mexico, Canada, and China uphold their pledges to curb illegal immigration and halt the influx of toxic fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our nation,” the statement declared. To combat the crisis, the 78-year-old president announced a decisive 25 percent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, which will remain in place until the fentanyl crisis is ‘alleviated’ and the drug’s flow into the country is ‘stemmed’. Additionally, reports from PA confirm that the US has enforced a flat 20 percent tariff on all Chinese imports.
In response, Beijing retaliated by slapping an additional 15 percent duty on key US imports such as chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, according to the Global Times.
China’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned the tariffs, accusing the US of hypocrisy. The spokesperson denounced Washington’s actions as ‘meeting good with evil’, claiming Republicans were exploiting the fentanyl crisis to economically threaten China.
“No country should believe it can suppress China while expecting to maintain positive relations with us,” Chinese diplomat Wang Yi declared in a press conference on March 7, as reported by NPR.
“Such two-faced actions undermine the stability of bilateral relations and erode mutual trust,” warned Wang Yi, a key member of China’s elite Politburo.
Wang emphasized that fentanyl is ultimately a crisis the United States must take responsibility for. “In the spirit of humanitarianism, China has extended various forms of assistance to the U.S., and this goodwill should not be met with hostility or unjustified tariffs. Such actions are unworthy of a responsible global power.”
He went on to assert that no amount of suppression can stifle progress: “Wherever there is a blockade, there will be breakthroughs. High walls cannot contain innovative thinking. Attempts at decoupling and severed links will only isolate those who enforce them.”
Wang concluded by urging U.S. officials to reflect on the outcomes of previous tariff and trade wars, adding that “cooperation fosters mutual benefit and paves the way for win-win results.”
China has issued a strong warning, asserting that if one side insists on exerting pressure, the country will respond with firm countermeasures.
“What has been accomplished through tariffs and trade wars over the years?” a political veteran questioned. “Has the US trade deficit improved or worsened? Has inflation risen or fallen? Are Americans living better or worse lives?”
The veteran further emphasized that China has been a stabilizing force in an unpredictable world. He called for improved communication between China and Europe to foster stability amid growing uncertainty.
Despite mounting concerns, neither the US nor Chinese governments have publicly acknowledged any ongoing trade negotiations or tariff-related discussions.
Reports indicate that former US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have not spoken since Trump’s return to office on January 20.
Earlier this month, the Chinese embassy released a firm statement warning that China was prepared 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,” the embassy declared on social media platform X, echoing a government statement reported by the BBC.
