Beijing has accused Washington of sabotaging bilateral efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking after the US imposed new tariffs linked to fentanyl exports. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declared on Tuesday that the move undermines trust and cooperation at a critical time for global narcotics control.
Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China's long-standing position during a press briefing. "Fentanyl abuse is a US domestic issue, not a Chinese one," he stated, adding that US actions "ignore goodwill" and shift responsibility for the opioid crisis.
The comments follow recent US tariff increases targeting Chinese chemical exports. China maintains strict controls on fentanyl-related substances, having implemented a class-wide regulation in 2019. Analysts suggest the new trade measures could complicate international efforts to disrupt synthetic drug supply chains.
Lin urged Washington to "stop smearing campaigns" and pursue dialogue based on "equality and mutual benefit." The development marks growing friction in one of the few remaining areas of US-China policy coordination.
