Since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods shortly after beginning his second term, tensions between the US and China have intensified over the opioid fentanyl crisis and broader trade disputes. The US has accused China of being a primary source of chemicals used to manufacture synthetic opioids that have fueled the American overdose epidemic. Chinese officials maintain that the fentanyl issue is predominantly an American problem and argue they have made significant efforts to curb illicit drug production and export. They highlight measures such as controlling fentanyl as a drug class in 2019, which reduced the direct flow from China to the US, but admit criminal networks adapted by shifting to precursor chemicals sent to Mexico and other countries. Despite these efforts, experts suggest more can be done to tighten regulations and ensure enforcement at all levels in China. Meanwhile, Beijing has recently announced it will add two more fentanyl precursors to its list of controlled substances, aligning with international drug control conventions. This move signals China’s recognition of the global importance of curbing synthetic opioid trafficking, although officials have stated that these actions are part of their standard procedures rather than direct responses to US pressure. The extension of controls over nitazenes, powerful synthetic opioids, also indicates China’s active participation in addressing the crisis. The Chinese government has emphasized its commitment to international norms, asserting that it has taken substantial steps such as seizing large quantities of precursor chemicals last year and controlling dozens of synthetic drugs. Yet, critics argue China’s internal control measures may be more about managing its image and negotiating leverage than genuine cooperation, especially given the history of limited collaboration during periods of diplomatic friction, like the cutoff of drug control cooperation in August 2022 after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The Biden administration acknowledges some positive steps but believes more is needed from Beijing to effectively crack down on the supply chains linked to criminal networks. US officials point out that even if China reduces its exports of chemicals, illicit producers could shift to other countries like India. The ongoing trade dispute, marked by tariffs and accusations, is complicated further by China’s economic struggles and concerns over the revival of tariffs if relations worsen further. Experts suggest that the US should also focus on reducing demand within its borders and collaborating more closely with China on law enforcement. However, the overall atmosphere remains strained, with both sides viewing the issue as deeply intertwined with geopolitical interests. China’s White Paper published in March defending its drug control efforts underscores its broader strategy to portray itself as a responsible global actor, even as critics allege that the government could do more to ban the sale and distribution of precursor chemicals domestically. As the US faces its domestic opioid crisis, the debate continues over whether bilateral cooperation will improve without progress on trade and security issues. Observers warn that unless Washington publicly recognizes China’s efforts and shows responsiveness, any future collaboration on drug enforcement may falter, leaving the problem unresolved. The delicate balance of diplomacy, trade policy, and public health responses underscores the complex relationship between the two nations in tackling this pressing crisis.
image source from：wsvn
