China Accuses US of Sabotaging Fentanyl Cooperation Through Tariffs
China has accused the United States of compromising fentanyl cooperation due to imposed tariffs. The Chinese government called for an end to using this issue as leverage against China. Despite progress in bilateral relations and efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, ongoing tariffs may hinder future cooperation between the two nations.
On Wednesday, China accused the United States of undermining bilateral cooperation against fentanyl trafficking by imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. The Chinese government urged the U.S. to cease using the fentanyl issue as a bargaining tool to exert pressure. President Donald Trump had recently raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20% in response to perceived inadequacies in China’s efforts to halt the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl.
A senior Chinese official expressed disappointment at the U.S., stating, “The US should’ve said a big thank you to us…but regrettably the United States doesn’t appreciate this kindness.” This sentiment reflects China’s frustration with what they perceive as U.S. attempts to shift blame for the opioid crisis, despite recent progress in bilateral cooperation on fentanyl control initiated during President Joe Biden’s administration.
The renewed cooperation has led to significant exchanges and improved communication between law enforcement agencies. However, criticism from the U.S. persists regarding alleged insufficient actions by China to enforce its fentanyl regulations. The Chinese official emphasized that using progress in cooperation as a pretext for tariffs was counterproductive, asserting that the tariffs threaten the dialogue crucial for drug control efforts.
In recent years, China has implemented national controls on fentanyl, effectively curbing illicit exports of the substance. Nevertheless, drug traffickers have adapted by sourcing precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, which remain less regulated. The U.S. has insisted on enhanced collaboration with China, focusing on illicit financial networks, apprehensions of illicit chemists, and laboratory raids to tackle the precursors involved in fentanyl synthesis.
A Reuters investigation previously unveiled the complex supply chain of fentanyl, detailing the transportation of Chinese-origin chemicals into the U.S. and Mexico, underscoring the challenges in combating this pressing public health crisis.
The overarching theme of this article is the escalating tension between China and the United States regarding fentanyl trafficking. The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. is seen as detrimental to cooperative efforts, with Chinese officials urging a more constructive approach. Progress in bilateral drug control initiatives must not be jeopardized by economic disputes, as effective collaboration remains essential in addressing the fentanyl crisis.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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