China urges U.S. to halt fentanyl blame game amidst tariff talk

The spokesperson's remarks came a day after Beijing and Washington announced an agreement on a 90-day reduction of mutual punitive tariffs. Starting 14th May, the rates on imports from the U.S. to China will be 10 per cent, while goods imported from China to the United States will be subject to 30 per cent tariffs. This includes a 20 per cent rate imposed by the Donald Trump administration to pressure Chinese authorities in the fight against fentanyl trafficking.

This potent synthetic opioid causes tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S.

The spokesperson for China's foreign ministry accused the U.S. administration of ignoring "China's goodwill" and imposing these tariffs. During a press briefing, he emphasized that the situation poses a significant obstacle to productive collaboration between China and the United States on drug-related issues and seriously affects China's national interests. He also stressed that if the U.S. is genuinely interested in working with China, it should refrain from accusations and instead pursue discussions grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits.

Lin also confirmed that the ministries responsible for trade talks have already published relevant communications in response to questions about further negotiations.

The U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced on Monday that Washington and Beijing will "work constructively" on the issue of fentanyl, whose chemical precursors are partly produced in China. The United States accuses China of not doing enough to combat the illegal production and export of these components. Beijing consistently refutes these accusations by informing about the measures taken.