February 5, 2025
Dear Editor,
As I listened to the response by the Chinese government on the additional tariff imposed on Chinese products and their retaliatory new tariffs on American goods, I can’t but be reminded of the Opium War.
History of the Opium War
The Opium War was declared by England on China in 1839. The English had opium from Afghanistan, and they wanted to sell the drug to China and other Asian countries. Opium was an illegal drug, and China did not want to receive this product. The English wanted to force the issue and declared war on China.
The Chinese arguments were the safety of their citizens and the sovereignty of their nation.
The arguments by the English were, about international relationships, avoidance of trade wars, and reciprocal respect between the nations.
Fentanyl
I read some of the reports on the additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which took effect today, February 4th. I read reports by the legacy media. They generally reported that President Trump’s effort will result in a worsening of international relations and trade wars that will hurt both America and China.
Much less reported was President Trump’s justification for imposing the additional tariff: fentanyl trafficking by China into America. This is a dangerous drug. Many Americans have been hurt by it. Discussion on this issue has been going on for some time, with China ignoring the warnings.
Arguments
While I support President Trump’s action, I want to share with you the hypocrisy of the Chinese arguments.
China argues that tariffs will hurt American international relations; that this violates international laws (WTO rules); that the problem is internal to America, and not theirs; finally, the American people will be the ones being hurt most due to increased prices. The result will be an unnecessary trade war.
These are arguments made by the English during the Opium War. China rejected similar arguments when it was imposed on them. Now, assuming the role of conquerors and imperialists, China wanted to flood our market with illegal drugs. The history of the Opium War was widely taught in China. They cram this piece of history into every Chinese student. In 2025, the Chinese leadership is making the same arguments… once imposed on them. Utter HYPOCRISY!
President Trump will hold firm against China. And I want to share this piece of history with everyone.
Art da Rosa, PE, MPA, CFM
