Trump Threatens Tariffs on China Over Fentanyl Trafficking

A rundown of the news making headlines in and around China:

Fentanyl tariffs: U.S. President Donald Trump turned his attention to tariffs on Tuesday. He said his administration was discussing a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports because fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. via Mexico and Canada is made using chemicals from China. Trump is also considering punitive tariffs on the U.S.’ two neighbors and the EU. The new leader had promised during his campaign to impose duties on his first day in office, but instead he has set a Feb. 1 deadline. In response to Trump’s tariff threats, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press conference that China will always resolutely defend its national interest and believes there are no winners in trade and tariff wars. Trump also threatened Beijing with fresh tariffs if it does not approve a potential future deal between the U.S. and TikTok. The president delayed the app’s ban for 75 days to work out a way to keep it running and has proposed a joint venture as one option.