U.S. and China to hold high-level talks aimed at curbing the fentanyl crisis

The United States and China are set to hold crucial talks in Beijing next week to address the pressing issue of fentanyl trafficking. In the midst of what has been dubbed the worst drug crisis in U.S. history, these discussions mark a resumption of counternarcotics cooperation that had been suspended for over a year.

China, which U.S. officials claim is the primary source of the precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl by Mexican drug cartels, has expressed a willingness to work closely with the U.S. in combating the crisis. However, it also emphasizes that the root cause of America’s fentanyl problem lies within its own borders.

“We will achieve remarkable results in combating fentanyl substances, including precursors,” says Yu Haibin, one of China’s top narcotics control officials. At the same time, he reiterates China’s argument that the demand for fentanyl is what fuels the crisis.

The upcoming counternarcotics meeting in Beijing, which has yet to be publicly announced, is a positive step in improving relations between the world’s two largest economies. The talks were one of the outcomes of the meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023. To facilitate these discussions, the U.S. lifted trade sanctions on a Chinese government lab, which is crucial for controlling fentanyl.

While blame for the opioid crisis has been placed on China, the U.S. acknowledges its own role in the epidemic. It originated in the 1990s with the overprescription of legal pain medications and has escalated with the rise of illicit and highly dangerous narcotics like fentanyl.

Efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking have been hampered by the adaptability of criminal groups. Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are now being manufactured using readily available “dual-use” chemicals that are not easily classified as controlled substances. This has made it challenging to monitor and control the supply chain effectively.

China has faced similar drug-related challenges in the past and has successfully targeted the supply side of other substances like methamphetamine and ketamine. Dr. Hua Zhendong of the National Narcotics Laboratory in China believes that the supply chain for fentanyl precursors can also be addressed.

The U.S. and China recognize the importance of curbing the fentanyl trade, but skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of their collaboration. While the Biden administration has lifted sanctions, it continues to prosecute Chinese companies and individuals accused of involvement in fentanyl-related crimes. The success of these efforts depends on evidence of violations of Chinese law.

The fentanyl crisis demands a multifaceted approach. While addressing demand through prevention, education, and treatment is essential, reducing the supply remains critical. The cooperation between the U.S. and China aims to achieve just that, with the hope of alleviating the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities on both sides of the Pacific.

For more information, visit F5mag.com.