Unilateral tariff hikes violate international trade rules

 A shopper browsing products at a store in San Francisco, California, United States, January 6. 2025. /VCG

 Unilateral tariff hikes violate international trade rules and undermine the foundation for global cooperation

 The Trump administration has misused national emergency powers under the pretext of combating fentanyl, implementing discriminatory, unilateral and arbitrary tariff measures.

 These actions not only violate WTO rules but also severely damage the US reputation in the international community.

 It is widely recognized that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires global cooperation and the US strategy of shifting blame onto others does nothing to resolve the issue.

 On the contrary, it undermines the very foundation of international collaboration.

 The Trump administration's approach will not only weaken its standing in the global anti-drug efforts but also fuel resentment and resistance against US unilateralist policies.

 Canada and Mexico have already responded by announcing countermeasures to the US tariff hikes.

 On February 4. a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said that China has filed a WTO dispute complaint against the US tariff measures in defense of its legitimate rights and interests.

 Cooperation is the only viable path to addressing global challenges.

 If the Trump administration truly seeks to resolve the fentanyl crisis in the US, it must first confront its shortcomings, strengthen domestic regulatory measures, and actively engage in international collaboration with China and other nations.

 By working toward an effective global anti-drug cooperation mechanism, the US can fulfill its responsibilities as a major power and contribute to the shared progress of humanity.

 Resorting to unilateral tariffs through the abuse of national emergency powers is a reckless and short-sighted approach – one that will ultimately leave the US increasingly isolated on the world stage.