Trade Tensions Threaten Bilateral Collaboration, Says Chinese Consul General
Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Zhang Jianmin has criticized recent U.S. tariff measures targeting Chinese imports, calling them counterproductive to efforts addressing the fentanyl crisis. Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday, Zhang warned that linking trade policy to narcotics control 'undermines the foundation of China-U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation.'
China's Anti-Fentanyl Track Record
Zhang highlighted China's 2019 implementation of strict controls on fentanyl-related substances, including manufacturing, sales, and exports. 'The U.S. fentanyl crisis stems from domestic factors,' he stated, rejecting the tariff rationale as 'unacceptable' and 'deeply offensive.' The diplomat emphasized that trade wars create 'no winners,' particularly harming regions like the U.S. West Coast that depend on international commerce.
Economic and Humanitarian Costs
The Consul General noted that tariff escalations disproportionately impact ordinary citizens through higher consumer prices and disrupted supply chains. He urged U.S. policymakers to 'return to reason' through dialogue, stressing that cooperation requires 'mutual respect rather than blame-shifting.'
This development comes as businesses and investors monitor cross-Pacific trade flows, which influence sectors from technology to agriculture. Analysts suggest prolonged tensions could reshape Asian supply chain dynamics.
