Beijing (National Times)– A spokesperson for the Chinese government has issued a fiery rebuke of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, labeling them a baseless pretext tied to the fentanyl crisis and vowing to resist what they called American “bullying.” In a statement released today, China defended its retaliatory actions as “entirely justified and essential” to protect its interests, while accusing the U.S. of exploiting the drug epidemic to justify economic aggression.
The fentanyl crisis, which has ravaged communities across the United States, has long been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing. U.S. officials have claimed that China plays a significant role in the supply chain for the deadly opioid, a charge Beijing fiercely disputes. “The United States alone bears responsibility for its own #FentanylCrisis,” the spokesperson asserted, rejecting any culpability. They emphasized that China has extended “substantial support” to the U.S. out of “compassion and a sense of goodwill” toward Americans affected by the drug.
Rather than acknowledging this aid, the spokesperson argued, the U.S. has responded with “slander and scapegoating,” using tariffs as a tool to “pressure and coerce” China. “They are punishing us for offering help,” the statement read, warning that such moves threaten to derail joint efforts to combat drug trafficking. “This approach will not resolve their crisis and risks fracturing our cooperation on narcotics.”
The spokesperson dismissed U.S. tactics as ineffective, declaring, “Intimidation does not faze us, and coercion will not bend us. Those who think they can strong-arm China have misjudged their opponent.” They called for a shift in U.S. policy, urging Washington to engage in “fair and equal discussions” if it is serious about tackling fentanyl. Yet, the statement concluded with a combative tone: “Should the U.S. choose war—whether through tariffs, trade, or otherwise—we are prepared to stand our ground to the very end.”
This latest exchange underscores the deepening rift between the two economic giants, with the fentanyl issue now entwined in broader trade hostilities. Observers note that China’s defiant rhetoric could foreshadow further retaliatory measures, raising the stakes in an already tense relationship. The White House has not yet issued a formal reply, leaving the international community bracing for the next move in this high-stakes standoff.
