Fentanyl Offer: Beijing's Trade Gambit

Beijing is considering a U.S. proposal to crack down further on fentanyl production and trafficking as a potential goodwill gesture, according to sources familiar with the matter. The offer involves increased Chinese enforcement against companies involved in the illegal fentanyl supply chain and targets precursors used in its manufacture. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been a major contributor to the opioid crisis in the United States, and Washington has long pressed Beijing to do more to curb its flow. While China previously banned the export of fentanyl and its analogues to the U.S., American officials argue that precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl continue to flow from China to Mexican cartels, who then manufacture and traffic the drug into the United States. The potential collaboration comes amidst ongoing efforts by both countries to stabilize their relationship after a period of heightened tensions. The U.S. has offered to lift some sanctions on a Chinese forensic institute linked to human rights abuses in exchange for China’s cooperation. However, China has denied that any sanctions relief has been offered. The final decision on whether to accept the U.S. proposal rests with the Chinese leadership, and its implementation would require significant changes in enforcement practices within China. Any agreement would likely be framed as a demonstration of China's commitment to combating the global drug trade and improving relations with the United States. find the original article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/beijing-weighs-fentanyl-offer-us-181926721.html