Drug message from China to the US: 'Fentanyl is America's problem'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted to US President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order imposing a 10 percent additional customs duty on imports from China. The drug 'fentanyl,' which was cited as the justification for the decision, was described as "America's problem." China has not yet announced any economic sanctions against the US. Earlier in the day, Canada and Mexico announced that they were imposing reciprocal tariffs on the US in response to Trump's additional tax decisions.

The ministry's statement included the following remarks:

'This decision was taken in the face of the great threat posed by illegal aliens and deadly drugs, including fentanyl, that are killing our citizens.'

Trump signed the executive order providing for the application of additional customs duties on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. With the decision taken, it was reported that a 25 percent additional customs duty would be applied to imports from Canada and Mexico, a 10 percent additional duty on imports from China, and a lower 10 percent tariff on energy products imported from Canada.

While signing the executive order, the US President stated the following:

'This decision was taken under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in the face of the great threat posed by illegal aliens and deadly drugs, including fentanyl, that are killing our citizens.'

Since 2020, more than 100 thousand fentanyl-related deaths have occurred in the US each year. China is cited as the center of global fentanyl production. The substance, which is produced for medical purposes, is processed and turned into a 'high-risk' drug. The US and China began working together in 2024 to solve the drug problem.

CHINA TO TAKE 'COUNTERMEASURES'

In a statement made by the Chinese government condemning the Trump administration's tariff decision, it was noted that the Beijing administration would challenge this decision before the World Trade Organization and that 'countermeasures' would be taken against the decision.

In a statement made by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, it was stated that Trump's move 'seriously violated' international trade rules, and the US was called upon to 'engage in sincere dialogue and strengthen cooperation.'

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, referring to Trump's statement, assessed that 'Fentanyl is America's problem' and stated the following:

'The Chinese side has conducted comprehensive anti-narcotics cooperation with the US and has achieved remarkable results.'