Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States, with fatalities nearly quadrupling over the past decade. In 2022, opioids claimed the lives of over 79,000 people in the US, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The US government has often pointed to China as a source of fentanyl and its precursors, alleging that shipments from China contribute significantly to the opioid crisis. However, China has enforced strict regulations over the production and export of fentanyl substances. In May 2019, China officially scheduled all fentanyl-related substances, becoming the first country to implement such comprehensive controls.
China and the United States have engaged in counternarcotics cooperation aimed at curbing the illegal flow of opioids. In recent years, both nations have made progress in joint efforts, including scheduling drug-related substances, sharing information on drug trafficking, and engaging in multilateral cooperation.
Chinese authorities have consistently emphasized their commitment to combating illicit drugs. According to a fact sheet released by the Chinese Embassy in the US in 2023, US law enforcement agencies have not seized any fentanyl or its analogues originating from China since the implementation of the scheduling in 2019.
Despite these efforts, the fentanyl crisis in the US continues to escalate. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. A House hearing titled “The Fentanyl Crisis in America: Inaction is No Longer an Option” called for bipartisan cooperation, stating, “Combating this poison and those who smuggle, manufacture, and sell it should be a bipartisan issue. We need to act together to stop this scourge.”
Experts suggest that internal factors contribute significantly to the opioid epidemic in the US. Hua Zhendong, technical director of China’s National Narcotics Laboratory, noted that the crisis stems from relaxed controls over opioid prescription drugs, leading to widespread addiction. Additionally, the legalization of marijuana in several US states has been linked to increased substance abuse.
China remains open to further collaboration with the US on drug control. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated, “China remains ready to continue counternarcotics cooperation with the United States on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect.”
As the fentanyl crisis poses a significant challenge, continued cooperation between China and the US is essential. Addressing the root causes and enhancing joint efforts can pave the way toward effective solutions that save lives.
Reference(s):
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