US abuse of national emergency powers for tariffs harms itself and the world

 Ding Ru is an associate professor at China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

 The administration of US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on China and other countries on February 1. citing issues related to fentanyl.

 This action is a political stunt by abusing national emergency powers in the form of tariff hikes.

 Such an approach is detrimental to both the US and the world, and it will inevitably backfire both domestically and internationally.

 On February 2. a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said that this unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

 This move not only fails to address US domestic issues but also undermines economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.

 A view of the White House, Washington, DC, United States, December 5. 2020. /VCG

 US president's abuse of emergency power undermines fundamental American interests

 The Trump administration's executive orders lack both legitimate intent and a reasonable foundation.

 First and foremost, their purpose is to bypass the US Congress and unilaterally implement protectionist measures for political posturing.

 Domestically, some members of the US Congress have voiced opposition.

 Gregory W. Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement condemning the administration's abuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to circumvent congressional committee review.

 Furthermore, invoking national emergency powers requires a legitimate rationale, meaning the measures taken should effectively address the issue at hand.

 However, the Trump administration's tariff policies do nothing to combat the fentanyl crisis and lack any reasonable justification for such an invocation.

 The widespread drug problem in the US primarily stems from systemic flaws and administrative mismanagement.

 Yet, rather than tackling these internal shortcomings, the Trump administration has deflected responsibility, shifting blame to other countries and imposing tariffs on their products under the pretext of a national emergency.

 Making foreign governments the scapegoat for domestic issues is merely a trade protectionist tactic disguised as an effort to combat fentanyl.

 Such an externalized approach will not effectively solve the internal problems of the US.

 The Trump administration's reckless abuse of national emergency powers will only further erode congressional authority and continue to undermine the country's fundamental interests.