Overview

• China’s foreign ministry reiterated that addressing the fentanyl crisis is solely the United States’ responsibility.
• Beijing criticized the U.S. for maintaining a 20% tariff on Chinese goods tied to fentanyl-related concerns, labeling the measure as unjustified.
• Recent Switzerland trade talks led to temporary tariff reductions, but the U.S. fentanyl-related levy remains in place.
• Chinese officials accused the U.S. of smearing and shifting blame onto China for the opioid epidemic.
• China called for future negotiations to prioritize mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity to resolve ongoing disputes.