An online poll conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN) has showed that 91.8 percent of respondents believe the U.S. imposition of 20 percent "fentanyl tariffs" on China is typical political manipulation and tariff bullying aimed at covering up its own failure in drug control.
The respondents see the "fentanyl tariffs" as a move to undermine the international trade order, according to the poll.
In the survey, 91 percent of respondents agreed that drug abuse is one of the greatest threats to the lives of the American people, while 94.8 percent of them believe the drug epidemic has become a persistent issue in U.S. society.
Some netizens expressed deep concern about the growing trend of drug use among American youth, stating that "the widespread drug use among American teenagers severely threatens public safety and social stability."
One commented, "It's hard to believe that the country with the worst drug epidemic in the world is also the world's largest economy!"
For years, the U.S. government has shown a clear lack of effective action in areas like tightening prescription drug regulations and strengthening public education on the dangers of drug abuse.
Meanwhile, under the influence of powerful interest groups, the government has, in pursuit of economic gains, tolerated and even promoted the legalization of drugs, further exacerbating the country's drug epidemic.
A total of 92.8 percent of respondents believe this situation reveals a major failure of the U.S. government in regulating drug abuse.
Moreover, some American politicians often resort to "looking for external solutions to internal problems," blaming other countries for the domestic fentanyl crisis and even pursuing baseless lawsuits and sanctions.
In the survey, 90.8 percent of respondents believe such actions are intended to cover up the government's failure in drug control, only undermining international cooperation in the fight against drugs.
The survey was published across CGTN's platforms in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian. Within 24 hours, over 12,000 internet users participated in sharing their opinions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday pointed out that it's the U.S. responsibility to solve its own problem over fentanyl, noting the U.S. acts of wrongly slaping tariffs on imports from China by citing that issue has dealt a heavy blow to China-U.S. dialog and cooperation on counternarcotics, and gravely hurt China's interests.
Nearly 92 pct of respondents believe US 'fentanyl tariffs' on China tariff bullying: CGTN poll
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
