China is considering offering to regulate additional fentanyl-related chemicals to the U.S. as a means to initiate trade negotiations. This potential concession aims to address U.S. concerns over the opioid crisis, which has been linked to numerous overdose deaths. However, U.S. officials view these proposed measures as insufficient, noting that some regulations were already mandated by international agreements. The Trump administration has linked trade penalties to China’s control over fentanyl production, despite warnings that such actions may harm bilateral counternarcotics efforts. If negotiations fail to yield meaningful results, the U.S. may implement further sanctions and trade restrictions, while China has threatened countermeasures. (reuters.com)
Exclusive | Beijing Considers Fentanyl Proposal to the U.S. to Initiate Trade Discussions