President Biden stated that during a press conference Wednesday evening, Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed to take action to crack down on the flow of Chinese-made chemicals which criminal cartels utilize to manufacture illicit fentanyl.
Mr. Biden further added that both nations have pledged to work together to reduce the transfer of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to the Western Hemisphere, with Mexico being a key transit point where cartels finish the synthetic opioid and integrate it into other drugs.
Expressing his appreciation for President Xi’s commitment, Mr. Biden mentioned that the U.S. and China will maintain teams to coordinate on policy and law enforcement in order to ensure the effectiveness of this agreement.
This agreement, which was formulated during Mr. Biden’s meeting with Mr. Xi near San Francisco, is aimed at combating a synthetic opioid that has been responsible for a high number of deaths in the U.S. annually.
While China ceased the direct shipment of fentanyl to the U.S. under pressure from the Trump administration in 2019, Chinese companies are still sending precursor chemicals to Mexico, where the cartels complete the production process and distribute it north of the border.
Experts have stated that almost the entire supply of finished fentanyl comes out of Mexico, often in the form of counterfeit pills that are consumed by addicted individuals or unknowing users.
Additionally, it has been noted that the pill presses used in this process are exclusively supplied from China by government officials.
Addressing this issue, Mr. Biden emphasized on the evolving challenge from finished fentanyl to fentanyl-chemical ingredients and pill presses, which are being shipped without adequate controls.
Amid uncertainties about the extent of Beijing’s commitment, the U.S. and China, with their complex relationship, are looking to address prior doubts about China’s adherence to promises made during the Trump administration’s trade deal.
A senior administration official pointed out that the proof of China’s commitment will be in its follow-up actions, and these steps are deemed important for U.S.-China relations.
Fentanyl infiltrated the heroin supply in the mid-2010s, resulting in a surge in overdose deaths and continues to be a pressing issue for consecutive administrations.
Congress is currently exploring various measures to counter the influx of deadly drugs, with Democrats advocating for improved screening at ports of entry and Republicans highlighting the need for enhanced security at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Furthermore, there are calls for stricter criminal penalties for fentanyl traffickers and its chemical analogs, with some political figures even suggesting extreme measures such as the death penalty for dealers.
While Democrats have commended Mr. Biden for his diplomatic approach, recognizing it as a beneficial deal for both countries, it remains to be seen how this agreement will unfold and contribute to combating the fentanyl crisis.
Meanwhile, leading GOP-primary rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, says his administration would shoot fentanyl traffickers who try to cross in the U.S.
Addressing a balance between trade and international goodwill, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer emphasized the significance of China recognizing its role in addressing the fentanyl crisis for the mutual benefit of both nations.
