As President-elect Trump threatens tariffs targeting China, experts warn that such actions could reverse the progress made in anti-narcotics cooperation between the two nations, crucial in addressing the fentanyl crisis.
Tariff Threats Risk Undermining U.S.-China Cooperation on Fentanyl
Tariff Threats Risk Undermining U.S.-China Cooperation on Fentanyl
President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs against China might jeopardize recent bilateral cooperation aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
In a recent development, President-elect Donald J. Trump's plans to impose new tariffs on China have taken a central stage, primarily driven by the ongoing crisis of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid flooding the United States. Fentanyl is primarily manufactured using chemicals sourced from China, implicating the country directly in the opioid epidemic that has claimed tens of thousands of American lives annually.
Historically, the U.S. and China began collaborating on narcotics enforcement during Trump's previous term, but escalating trade disputes quickly halted meaningful dialogue. However, some movement had been noted recently; in September, Chinese authorities expanded their list of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, suggesting a tightening of regulations influenced by prior diplomatic engagements following a meeting between President Biden and China's Xi Jinping.
Despite positive strides, experts caution that the situation remains precarious. Chinese chemical producers can easily exploit loopholes by producing new, unregulated precursor chemicals. Furthermore, specialists are advocating for enhanced collaboration between U.S. and Chinese law enforcement agencies, alongside stronger support from China regarding anti-money laundering measures to disrupt funding for illegal drug operations.
Concerns are rising that Trump's tariff threats could exacerbate the already strained relationship between the two countries and potentially decrease cooperation on counter-narcotics. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, expressed skepticism about the efficacy of tariffs in combating fentanyl trafficking, suggesting such moves could harm the tentative progress made in 2024 on drug enforcement collaboration.
The looming question remains: Can diplomatic efforts overcome the hurdles of trade antagonism, or will tariff impositions lead to an escalation in the fentanyl crisis in America? The outcome depends not only on diplomatic strategies but also on the commitment from both nations to address a common adversary with lethal implications.
