The White House announced on Tuesday that China will implement new regulations and controls on the production of three key chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit fentanyl. The White House described this action as “a valuable step forward” in addressing the ongoing fentanyl crisis.
This development marks the third significant measure since the resumption of bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation between the United States and China in November 2023. Acting National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett praised the move, highlighting its importance in combating the growing issue of fentanyl in the U.S.
Fentanyl remains a critical concern for U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is vying for re-election in the November 5 presidential contest. The opioid epidemic has seen fentanyl overdoses surge, making it the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. Over 107,000 drug overdose deaths were reported in the U.S. in 2023.
In a bid to improve relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Biden agreed to collaborate with Beijing on counter-narcotics efforts last year. Last Wednesday, a delegation of senior Chinese officials met with Biden administration representatives to discuss further measures to control fentanyl chemicals and restrict financing for drug trafficking in China.
In April, a U.S. congressional committee reported that China was directly subsidizing the production of illicit fentanyl precursors intended for export, contributing to the U.S. opioid crisis. The committee’s findings suggested that Beijing’s policies were incentivizing the production of these dangerous substances.
