Blinken Seeks China’s Fentanyl Cooperation
The United States is seeking China’s cooperation on counternarcotics efforts aimed at stopping the flow of illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl into the United States. This comes as Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Beijing in early February to discuss trade, climate change, and regional security. Despite limited engagement between the two countries on drug trafficking, the U.S is hopeful of additional action from China to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals and equipment used by criminals to manufacture synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
The Fentanyl Crisis in the United States
Fentanyl is a high-potency synthetic opioid estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49. The drug problem in the United States is not unique, but the scale and severity of the crisis is.
The Chinese Connection to the Fentanyl Problem in the United States
While China is no longer the main source of fentanyl flowing into the United States, many precursor chemicals used to produce the drug originate from the country. Bipartisan congressional majorities have approved the FENTANYL Results Act to prioritize U.S efforts to combat international trafficking of covered synthetic drugs.
China Suspends Collaboration with Washington on Fentanyl
Beijing suspended collaboration with the U.S. last August in protest of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. State Department spokesperson Ned Price told VOA this week that despite past action taken by Beijing, the U.S is hopeful of additional action from China, while admitting that engagement between the two countries on counternarcotics issues “has been limited in recent months.”
Impact of the Fentanyl Crisis
The impact of the fentanyl crisis stretches beyond the obvious health implications. The opioid epidemic costs billions of dollars annually in lost productivity, healthcare, and criminal justice expenses. But the toll on families, communities, and the economy is incalculable.
The Role of China in Fighting Fentanyl Trafficking
China is expected to take additional action to curb the diversion of precursor chemicals and equipment used by criminals to manufacture fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. The United States has already taken steps to deal with the crisis, and it is now time for China to do the same.
Secretary Blinken’s Visit to Beijing
Antony Blinken is visiting China in early February to discuss trade, climate change, and regional security. The issue of fentanyl trafficking is expected to dominate his talks with Chinese officials.
The Expectations from Secretary Blinken’s Visit
The United States is hopeful that Secretary Blinken’s visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to re-engage on counternarcotics. The U.S would like to see China take meaningful, concrete action to combat the flow of illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. China has an opportunity to make a difference in public health and reinforce the trade, climate, and security goals in China-US relations.
The Importance of China-US Cooperation
Cooperation among nations is vital to solving global problems. The United States and China have had a strained relationship, particularly on the trade front. However, both countries can find common ground to make a positive impact on global health, security, and the economy by cooperating on counternarcotics efforts.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in the United States is a serious public health issue that requires a multilateral solution. The U.S and China have had their differences, particularly on trade issues, but the two countries can find common ground on counternarcotics. Secretary Blinken’s visit to Beijing offers an opportunity to re-engage on this critical issue. It is time for China to take meaningful action to combat the flow of synthetic drugs like fentanyl into the United States.
FAQs
1. What is Fentanyl, and Why is it a Problem?
Fentanyl is a high-potency synthetic opioid estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49. The drug problem in the United States is not unique, but the scale and severity of the crisis is.
2. What is China’s Role in the Fentanyl Crisis?
While China is no longer the main source of fentanyl flowing into the United States, many precursor chemicals used to produce the drug originate from the country. The United States is seeking China’s cooperation to prevent the diversion of these precursor chemicals to manufacture synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
3. Why is Secretary Blinken Visiting China?
Secretary Blinken is visiting China in early February to discuss trade, climate change, and regional security. Counternarcotics efforts aimed at stopping the flow of synthetic drugs like fentanyl into the U.S is expected to dominate his talks with Chinese officials.
4. What is the FENTANYL Results Act, and What Does it Aim to Achieve?
The FENTANYL Results Act was signed into law by U.S President Joe Biden and authorizes programs through the State Department to build foreign law enforcement capacity to detect synthetic drugs and carry out an international exchange program for drug demand reduction experts. The act aims to prioritize U.S efforts to combat international trafficking of covered synthetic drugs.
5. Why is Cooperation Between the United States and China Important in Combating Fentanyl Trafficking?
Cooperation among nations is vital to solving global problems. The opioid crisis in the United States is a serious public health issue that requires a multilateral solution. Both countries can find common ground on counternarcotics, and Secretary Blinken’s visit to Beijing is an opportunity to re-engage on this critical issue.