US-China Cooperation on Fentanyl Interdiction

SOURCE www.npr.org
China has implemented new regulations tightening controls on chemicals used to make fentanyl, following a meeting between US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of these regulations in curbing the flow of illicit drugs into the US.

Key Points

  • China has tightened controls on precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl.
  • Experts question the enforcement and effectiveness of these regulations.
  • US and China are working towards improved cooperation on narcotics following a meeting between their presidents.

Pros

  • China's new regulations on fentanyl precursor chemicals are seen as a step forward in combating the opioid crisis in the US.
  • Resumption of counter-narcotics talks between the US and China shows potential for improved cooperation in combating illicit drug trade.

Cons

  • Some experts doubt the effectiveness of China's new regulations and question if they will be enforced adequately.
  • Critics suggest that China may still have unregulated chemicals that can be used in the production of illicit drugs like fentanyl.
  • Accusations of Chinese government agencies subsidizing the export of fentanyl precursors raise concerns about complicity in the drug trade.