The United States continues to grapple with a severe drug abuse crisis, yet recent developments have shifted attention toward China. Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden identified China as a “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country” in a memorandum to Congress. China disputes this designation, citing its stringent drug control measures. According to Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China has classified 456 types of substances as controlled, making it one of the countries with the most comprehensive drug control regimes. Additionally, China controls 38 precursor chemicals, 14 more than those regulated by the United Nations. In contrast, the United States, with less than 5 percent of the global population, consumes approximately 80 percent of the world’s opioids. Since 2000, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. China urges the United States to address its domestic drug abuse issues and seek collaborative solutions rather than attributing responsibility elsewhere. Enhanced cooperation between nations is essential to effectively combat the global drug trade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
