China has reiterated its stance that the root cause of the fentanyl crisis lies within the United States, responding to recent U.S. tariff measures linked to the opioid epidemic. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that \"pressuring, coercing, or issuing threats\" would not resolve bilateral tensions during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Root Cause Lies in U.S. Policies
Lin stated that while China has taken \"strong steps\" to assist the U.S. in curbing fentanyl misuse, American policymakers continue to \"smear and shift blame\" rather than address systemic issues such as lax pharmaceutical regulations and insufficient public health measures. \"They are punishing us for helping them,\" he remarked.
Trade Measures Fuel Tensions
The comments follow Washington\u2019s imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese imports, which Beijing views as a miscalculated escalation. Lin warned that \"waging a tariff war\" would provoke proportionate countermeasures but stressed China\u2019s preference for dialogue based on \"equality and mutual respect.\"
Call for Pragmatic Solutions
Experts warn that politicizing the fentanyl crisis risks derailing cross-border cooperation. \"Sustainable solutions require mutual trust, not unilateral demands,\" said Zhou Wei, a Beijing-based geopolitical analyst. The remarks underscore China\u2019s broader demand for balanced engagement amid rising economic friction.
