Archive · 26 Jun 2025
China Takes Steps on Fentanyl, Responding to U.S. Demands
The US and China are having a disagreement about fentanyl, a dangerous drug.
The US wants China to stop the chemicals used to make it.
China has started taking some steps like adding chemicals to a controlled list.
They also arrested people involved in drug crimes.
The US and China are still talking, but there's some tension because the US blames China for not doing enough, and China says the US is using fentanyl as a way to pressure them.
China is taking actions on counter-narcotics to cooperate with U.S. demands on fentanyl.
China added two precursors to a list of controlled chemicals starting July 20.
Chinese officials announced they prosecuted over 1,300 people for drug-related money laundering.
Chinese immigration officials seized 2.42 tons of drugs and arrested 262 suspects.
A former drug control official was sentenced to a suspended death sentence for bribery.
- Who
- China and the U.S., including officials and drug-related criminals.
- What
- China is taking action to address U.S. demands on fentanyl control, including controlling chemicals and cracking down on drug-related crimes.
- When
- Actions taken in the past week; including chemical control starting July 20.
- Where
- China and Geneva (where discussions occurred).
- Why
- To cooperate with U.S. demands on fentanyl control and address the issue.
United States
China
Responsibility
United States
China is responsible for the fentanyl crisis in the US.
China
China's actions are an independent measure taken in line with the UN Drug Convention and participating in global drug governance.
- Controlled Chemicals
- 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone
- Drug Seizures
- 2.42 tons
- Drug Smuggling Arrests
- 262
- Money Laundering Prosecutions
- Over 1,300 people
- Money Laundering Arrests
- Over 700 people
- Bribery Case Value
- $17 million