The Chinese Embassy in the United States has reacted to the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration concerning the fentanyl issue. In a statement shared on X, the embassy highlighted the importance of the US engaging in fair discussions with China to address the matter.

To effectively address the fentanyl issue, the US should engage with China as equals. If the US prefers conflict, whether it’s a tariff or trade war, we are prepared to stand firm until the end, the embassy’s post read.

The Chinese foreign ministry has rejected the notion that the fentanyl crisis serves as a valid reason for increasing tariffs on Chinese goods. A spokesperson for the ministry emphasized that China’s measures to protect its rights and interests are both justified and essential. “The responsibility for the fentanyl crisis lies solely with the United States, not with any other nation. In a gesture of goodwill towards the American people, we have implemented significant measures to support the US in addressing this challenge. Rather than acknowledging our contributions, the US has chosen to defame us and shift the blame onto China, attempting to coerce us through tariff increases. They are punishing us for our assistance. This approach will not resolve the issues faced by the US and will hinder our collaborative efforts in combating narcotics,” the statement added.

The Trump administration has imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods, adding to the 10 percent already in place. These tariffs came into effect on Tuesday, March 4. Similar tariffs have also been applied to imports from Canada and Mexico over the same issue. The measures have escalated trade tensions, potentially impacting economic growth and increasing costs for Americans already dealing with prolonged inflation.

The tariffs, which could disrupt nearly $2.2 trillion in annual trade, were introduced after Trump accused the top three U.S. trading partners of not doing enough to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the country.

Speaking before Congress, Trump announced that more tariffs would be implemented on April 2, including “reciprocal tariffs” and other non-tariff measures intended to address long-standing trade imbalances.

“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said, referencing high tariffs imposed on U.S. goods by India, South Korea, the European Union, China, and other nations.