During a visit to Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised China for providing information to international law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade. However, this cooperation is not as meaningful as it may seem. China’s commitments to drug interdiction are influenced by its geopolitical ambitions, and cooperation can be halted if China is displeased with US policies.
The consequences of China’s lack of action against the fentanyl trade have been devastating for the US, with fentanyl being the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. Despite China’s ban on fentanyl in 2019, precursor chemicals are still being exported to Mexico for the production of fentanyl, with some Chinese companies receiving support from the Chinese Communist Party.
While President Joe Biden has taken steps to combat the fentanyl trade, more needs to be done. Congress should pass legislation to sanction entities involved in the fentanyl trade and designate the CCP as a participant in the trade. Additionally, funding and directives should be provided to intercept ships carrying fentanyl precursors from China to Mexico.
It is essential to prioritize the safety of Americans and not rely solely on Chinese cooperation in combating the fentanyl crisis. The US government must be prepared to take action independently to protect its citizens from the dangers of fentanyl.
