Commenting on the US Department of Justice’s announcement of indictments of China-based companies in cases related to the production of the narcotic fentanyl, Xinhua quoted a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry as saying: “US law enforcement personnel implicated Chinese citizens through a deceptive operation, and made frank accusations against Chinese entities and individuals.”
“This is a typical arbitrary detention and unilateral punishment, which is absolutely illegal. This step by the US seriously harms the basic human rights of Chinese citizens and the interests of relevant Chinese companies,” he added.
The spokesman said that China strongly condemns this step, and made serious formal protests to the US side in this respect, noting that his country is actively participating in international cooperation in combating drugs and narcotic substances.
The Chinese official pointed out that instead of acknowledging China’s contributions, the United States imposed illegal sanctions on Chinese anti-drug institutions, and then openly distorted Beijing’s anti-drug efforts and imposed illegal sanctions on Chinese companies.
The Chinese spokesperson called on Washington to stop blaming China, stop slandering and attacking it, and immediately lift all sanctions against China’s anti-drug law enforcement institutions, and stop using fentanyl-related cases as a pretext to punish, charge, or offer rewards for chasing Chinese companies or citizens, and furthermore stop arbitrary arrests and immediately release illegally detained Chinese citizens.
The spokesperson stressed that China will continue to do what is necessary to vigorously defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.
NR