Staff Reports
During a press conference on Wednesday evening, President Biden revealed a critical development in the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis. He announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to take action against the production and distribution of Chinese-made chemicals utilized by criminal cartels in the illicit production of fentanyl. This collaborative effort between the United States and China is designed to disrupt the flow of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to Mexico, where cartels process the synthetic opioid for distribution, often mixed with other drugs. President Biden expressed gratitude for President Xi’s commitment, recognizing its potential to save lives.
As part of the agreement, both nations will maintain teams to coordinate on policy and law enforcement, ensuring the effectiveness of the measures implemented. This accord emerged from discussions between Mr. Biden and President Xi near San Francisco, with a specific focus on addressing the pervasive issue of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of deaths in the United States annually.
China agrees to crack down on fentanyl chemicals and pill presses, Biden says https://t.co/tNcOMWwgLd pic.twitter.com/YMYLprfaeg
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 16, 2023
While China ceased direct shipments of fentanyl to the U.S. in 2019, the flow of precursor chemicals from Chinese companies to Mexico persisted. In Mexico, cartels finalize the production of fentanyl and distribute it across the border, often concealing the substance in counterfeit pills. The pill presses crucial for this process are exclusively supplied by China. President Biden acknowledged China's previous steps to reduce the direct flow of fentanyl but highlighted the evolving challenge of controlling the shipment of chemical ingredients and pill presses.
There are legitimate concerns regarding China's adherence to the agreement, given the historically adversarial relationship between the two nations. Previous doubts about China fulfilling promises, such as agricultural purchases under the Trump-era trade deal, underscore the need for vigilant monitoring of China's actions. A senior administration official emphasized the tangible impact of these measures on U.S.-China relations and the well-being of the American people.
Fentanyl, which began infiltrating the heroin supply in the mid-2010s, has led to a surge in overdose deaths. Despite efforts by the Obama and Trump administrations, the crisis persists, prompting ongoing discussions in Congress. Democrats advocate for improved screening at ports of entry, while Republicans highlight security vulnerabilities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Proposed approaches include stricter penalties for fentanyl traffickers, with some advocating more extreme measures.
On the diplomatic front, leading Democrats have praised President Biden's approach to the crisis, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the agreement with China. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer commended the deal, recognizing China's acknowledgment of its role in combatting the crisis and suggesting potential benefits for China in terms of goodwill.
In conclusion, President Biden's announcement of China's commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis represents a significant stride in the ongoing battle against this deadly opioid. While uncertainties persist, there is cautious optimism that this collaboration will contribute to saving lives and mitigating the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States.
