Ashraf AboArafe
The Chinese Embassy Spokesperson to Egypt, Mr. Zhu Xiaozhong, stated that there is no winner in tariff war and protectionism, a dead end. Recently, the US government imposed an additional 20% tariff on Chinese products exported to the United States under the pretext of so-called “fentanyl.” This not only constitutes a serious distortion of the facts but is also a clear example of unilateralism and protectionism. In the face of false accusations and trade pressure from the US, China has taken resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, reflecting its commitment to principles and the red lines in international affairs.
In fact, the roots of the fentanyl problem in the US do not lie with China, but with the United States itself. According to statistics from the International Narcotics Control Board, the United States is the world’s largest producer and consumer of fentanyl. Its population, which accounts for 5% of the world’s population, consumes approximately 80% of the world’s opioid use. A survey of more than 3,000 American households on fentanyl, conducted by the agency, revealed that the overwhelming majority believed that the primary responsibility for the problem lies with drug gangs, addicts, and the US government. Historically, the Chinese nation has suffered from the scourge of drugs, and the Chinese people have a strong aversion to drugs. China has resolutely combated drug trafficking and manufacturing, adopting the strictest and most comprehensive anti-drug policies worldwide. China is also committed to strengthening international cooperation in this field, having cooperated extensively with the United States and other countries to combat fentanyl and its precursors, achieving tangible results. In 2019, China became the first country in the world to place all fentanyls on a watch list at the request of the US. The United States’ use of fentanyl as a pretext to impose additional tariffs on China constitutes a serious violation of World Trade Organization rules. It disrupts normal economic and trade relations between the two countries, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, hinders global economic development, and harms the interests of the American people and American companies. Over the past five years, American companies have been forced to raise prices, accept lower profits, cut wages, and lay off workers due to additional tariffs. In fact, American importers have borne most of the costs of these tariffs and passed them on to American consumers, like a stone falling on its own feet. In this context, after the US announced the imposition of additional tariffs a few days ago, the three major US stock market indices fell significantly.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi posed five questions to the United States during a press conference a few days ago: The United States must review the results of its tariff and trade wars in recent years. Has the trade deficit narrowed? Has the competitiveness of American industries increased? Has the inflation problem improved? Has the lives of citizens improved? These questions reflect the heavy price the United States has paid in the trade war, and they call on the international community: there is no winner in a trade war, and the only solution to all global issues lies in cooperation.
China has consistently prioritized its own development, regardless of the changing international situation. We have resolutely pursued high-quality development and high-level opening-up. We have held the China International Import Expo and the China International Supply Chain Expo for several consecutive years, granted zero-tariff treatment to all products from the 43 least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, lowered China’s tariff level to a level close to that of developed countries, and abolished all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. In this context, the “Global Openness Report 2024” confirmed that China’s openness index increased by 11.89% compared to 2008. China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, and is the leading trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions. In 2024, the Chinese economy reached a new level, and China remained a major engine of global economic growth, proving that US attempts to contain and harass China are doomed to failure.
During the recently concluded sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to “expand institutional opening-up in a measured manner” in China, and economically strong provinces must “play a leading role in deepening reform and high-level opening-up.” The government work report also clearly emphasized the need to expand high-level opening-up. China will open its doors ever wider, a strategic choice based on our own development needs and our responsibility to the world.
As the world’s largest developing and largest developed countries, China and the United States must coexist peacefully. The US government must respect the facts, stop politicizing the fentanyl and trade issues, and consult with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit to address the concerns of both sides.
to all.. 
