China Tightens Controls on Fentanyl Chemicals Amid U.S. Cooperation

China has announced new regulations on the production of three chemicals used for illicit fentanyl, a significant move applauded by the U.S. This is the third major action following the resumption of U.S.-China counter-narcotics cooperation in November 2023. Fentanyl overdoses remain a critical issue in the U.S., claiming over 107,000 lives in 2023.

China has declared its intention to introduce new controls on the production of three chemicals crucial for the manufacture of illicit fentanyl, the White House confirmed on Tuesday, branding the move as 'a valuable step forward'.

This marks the third major measure since the U.S. and China revived bilateral counter-narcotics cooperation in November 2023, as confirmed by acting National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. Fentanyl overdoses have skyrocketed, making it the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, with over 107,000 fatalities in 2023 alone.

As part of efforts to improve strained relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to collaborate with China on counter-narcotics. Senior Chinese officials met with Biden administration representatives last Wednesday to further discussions on tightening controls on fentanyl chemicals and curbing the financing of the drug trade.

In April, a U.S. congressional committee revealed that China was subsidizing the production of illicit fentanyl precursors for international sale, thus exacerbating the U.S. opioid crisis, based on findings from its investigation into Beijing's incentives for these harmful chemicals.

(With inputs from agencies.)