Chinese state media has issued a strong caution to President-elect Donald Trump regarding his pledge to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods, a move linked to concerns about fentanyl flows. The warning underscores the potential economic and geopolitical fallout of escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
President-elect Trump has proposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing fentanyl as a major concern. The synthetic opioid has been a source of tension, with the US attributing a significant portion of the crisis to Chinese-origin substances. Media outlets such as *China Daily* and the *Global Times* have emphasized the risks of a "mutually destructive" tariff war, urging the US to avoid making China a scapegoat for domestic issues. It was argued that no winners emerge from such economic confrontations.
The threat of heightened tariffs has led economists to reassess growth projections for China’s economy. Louis Kuijs, chief Asia economist at S&P Global Ratings, has cautioned that risks remain substantial, potentially leading to higher costs for American consumers and broader economic repercussions.
The proposed tariffs could trigger ripple effects across the global economy. For the US, an increase in the cost of living may occur as businesses pass on higher import costs to consumers. For China, economic growth could face additional pressures as global demand weakens.
Amid rising tensions, calls for a balanced approach have been echoed by experts and observers. A trade war, particularly between two of the world’s largest economies, could exacerbate global supply chain disruptions and slow economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
The situation remains dynamic, with future developments likely to hinge on diplomatic engagements and policy adjustments. Both nations are under scrutiny to navigate this critical juncture responsibly, avoiding steps that could intensify economic and social challenges globally.
