Fentanyl precursors are displayed at Reuters’ office in New York City, U.S., July 10, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
U.S. Urged to Sustain Progress with China on Fentanyl Crisis
The incoming Trump administration is being cautioned to preserve the progress made under President Joe Biden in collaborating with China to address the U.S. fentanyl crisis. Rahul Gupta, the White House director of drug-control policy, emphasized the importance of continuing the efforts initiated during Biden’s tenure while speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Wednesday.
China’s Role in Fentanyl Production
China remains a leading source of chemical precursors used by Mexican cartels to manufacture fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States. Since a meeting in November 2023 between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has reportedly intensified its actions against fentanyl trafficking.
Gupta highlighted key steps China has taken, including shutting down websites advertising fentanyl precursors, making arrests, and categorizing over 50 controlled substances. “We are seeing on the ground, for those who are wanting to make fentanyl and traffic fentanyl, a real difficulty in obtaining the precursor chemicals,” Gupta said, noting that these measures have contributed to a reduction in fentanyl-related deaths.
Balancing Pressure and Progress
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods after taking office on January 20, intending to pressure Beijing to strengthen its efforts against fentanyl flows. Gupta acknowledged that maintaining pressure is important but stressed the need to balance it with recognition of the advancements already achieved.
“While we work on other aspects in (the) relationship with China, it’s going to be critical that we sustain this progress,” Gupta said. “We can work to make China a part of the solution for this crisis, or they can remain a part of the problem.”
Asked about Trump’s tariff proposal, Gupta remarked, “There’s no harm in keeping the pressure. What we need to make sure is that the pressure is kept with a sense of understanding of what is already happening, and being aware of the progress that’s already been made.”
Legislative Efforts to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking
On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced three bills targeting China’s role in the fentanyl crisis. The proposed measures aim to establish a task force dedicated to disrupting fentanyl trafficking and would lay the groundwork for sanctions against Chinese entities involved in the production or distribution of precursors.
The Path Ahead
While Trump’s transition team has yet to comment on Gupta’s remarks, the ongoing bipartisan legislative push and the administration’s policy shifts underscore the complex dynamics of addressing the fentanyl epidemic. Maintaining collaboration with China while applying strategic pressure will likely be critical in sustaining progress and reducing opioid-related deaths in the United States.
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