China Raises Concerns Over New U.S. Tariffs in High-Level Call

• Feb 21, 2025

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has voiced strong concerns to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Trump administration’s decision to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The issue was discussed during a video call, marking Bessent’s first formal engagement with a senior Chinese official since taking office.

China Protests New U.S. Tariffs

During the call, Vice Premier He expressed "solemn concerns" about the new tariffs, which were announced by President Donald Trump. The administration justified the decision by citing China’s failure to take stronger action against the fentanyl trade, a growing issue in the United States.

In response to the U.S. move, China retaliated by imposing tariffs on select American products and introducing additional countermeasures. These actions highlight the ongoing trade tensions between the two global economic powers.

U.S. Focuses on Fentanyl Crisis

Ahead of the call, Bessent told Bloomberg that his top priority was addressing the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China. The U.S. has repeatedly accused China of not doing enough to curb the production and export of these chemicals, which are often used to manufacture fentanyl—a drug responsible for thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.

Trump has made cracking down on fentanyl a key part of his policy toward China, arguing that trade penalties are necessary to push Beijing into taking stronger action. However, China has pushed back against these claims, arguing that the issue requires cooperation rather than unilateral sanctions.

Growing Strains in U.S.-China Relations

This latest trade dispute adds to the long-standing tensions between the two countries, which have seen multiple rounds of tariffs, sanctions, and diplomatic disagreements. While the video call between He and Bessent provided a platform for dialogue, it remains unclear whether it will lead to any resolution.

As both sides stand firm on their positions, economic and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China remain strained, with further escalations possible in the coming months.