In a significant move to tackle the global opioid crisis, China and the United States have agreed to resume cooperation on combating illegal drug production and trafficking, with a focus on fentanyl. During a meeting at the Philori Estate in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden announced the establishment of a working group dedicated to promoting continuous communication and law enforcement coordination on counter-narcotics issues.
The United States also announced on November 16 that it would remove the Institution of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Public Security of China, which includes the National Narcotics Laboratory, from its “entity list” and lift corresponding sanctions. This decision marks a significant step toward rebuilding trust and collaboration between the two nations in the fight against illegal drugs.
Renewed Commitment Amid Global Challenges
The resumption of anti-drug cooperation stems from a longstanding history of collaborative efforts between China and the U.S. Dating back to the 1980s, both countries have engaged in intelligence sharing, joint training, and mutual assistance in combating drug trafficking. Notably, the 1987 “China-U.S. Memorandum of Cooperation on Drug Control” and the 1997 “China-U.S. Joint Statement on Drug Control Cooperation” laid the foundation for decades of joint actions and high-level dialogue mechanisms.
Despite fluctuations in bilateral relations, the two nations have maintained a non-competitive stance in their drug control endeavors, achieving substantial results in disrupting drug trafficking networks and addressing the proliferation of new psychoactive substances.
Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis
The renewed cooperation is particularly timely given the escalating challenge posed by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These substances have become a leading cause of overdose deaths globally, necessitating a unified and strategic response. By combining resources and expertise, China and the U.S. aim to enhance their capabilities in tracking precursor chemicals, dismantling trafficking organizations, and promoting public awareness to reduce demand.
The establishment of the working group signals a shared recognition of the “symbiotic logic” in tackling drug-related issues that transcend national borders. Both countries stand to benefit from a collaborative approach that addresses not only the supply chain but also the socio-economic factors contributing to the drug epidemic.
Looking Forward
This development opens a new chapter in China-U.S. relations, showcasing how mutual interests can pave the way for constructive engagement. As the global community grapples with complex challenges, the partnership between China and the U.S. in anti-drug efforts sets a positive precedent for addressing other transnational issues through dialogue and cooperation.
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China-U.S. summit opened a new chapter for anti-drug cooperation
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