China's State Council Information Office released a significant white paper on March 4, 2025, titled "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances -- China's Contribution," which outlines the country's stringent measures against fentanyl-related substances amid rising tensions with the United States over drug trafficking.
The document emphasizes China’s rigorous supervision over the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl-related medications, along with aggressive actions to prevent their abuse and combat illegal activities surrounding these substances. "These have delivered notable results," the white paper claims, highlighting China's extensive efforts to control these highly dangerous chemicals.
This timely release coincided with the announcement from the US government, which declared it would impose an additional 10-percent tariff on Chinese imports, purportedly as part of its strategy to tackle the influx of fentanyl. The new tariff, effective immediately, is seen by Beijing as unjustified and serves to escalate the already strained trade relations.
Responding to the US tariffs, China's officials lamented the practice of scapegoatting, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating, "China stands ready for practical cooperation with the US based on equality and mutual respect," emphasizing their willingness to engage constructively on this pressing issue.
Throughout the years, there has been notable cooperation between China and the US aimed at addressing challenges posed by fentanyl and its precursors. The white paper asserts, "China has achieved notable successes in in-depth cooperation with countries concerned, including the United States, in addressing problems with fentanyl-related substances and their precursors." This cooperation, it contends, has yielded significant improvements and demonstrates China’s active commitment to international drug control efforts.
The white paper outlines various measures China has implemented to tackle the fentanyl problem, including the comprehensive listing of fentanyl-related medications as controlled substances and the establishment of cutting-edge digital tracking systems to oversee the lifecycle of these drugs—from manufacturing to distribution.
China's new measures also implement the use of technologies such as radio frequency identification and automation through the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to monitor drugs more closely, enhancing the control framework for managing these substances responsibly.
While China takes these steps, it simultaneously calls for collaborative efforts and rejects unilateral blame-shifting. Citing the principle of shared responsibility, the white paper articulates, "It advocates mutual assistance, joint contribution, and shared benefit among all countries, and opposes finger-pointing and buck-passing." This indicates China’s desire for more balance and fairness in international dialogues concerning drug control.
The heightened pressures from the US also prompted China to respond with their own tariffs on American goods—a measure set to begin March 10, 2025. This move demonstrates China’s resolve to protect its trade interests amid increasing tensions, proposing tariffs of 10 percent or 15 percent on various US products, including agricultural imports like chicken, corn, and beef.
Experts like Li Haidong of China Foreign Affairs University noted, "The timely release of the document effectively exposes the absurdity of the US' groundless accusations," underscoring the strategic timing of the white paper to combat US claims amid the tariff threats.
China reiterates its commitment to uphold international drug control responsibilities and collaborate globally to tackle the fentanyl crisis. The National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) declared on March 4, 2025, "China has always practiced the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind and is willing to work hand in hand with other countries to address new issues and challenges such as fentanyl-related substances." This approach emphasizes China’s intentions to remain engaged and proactive on the world stage, particularly concerning drug governance.
Despite the political and economic strains, the recent developments underline a pivotal moment for China as it defends its reputation and actions related to global drug control efforts. The white paper reflects both the country’s achievements and the challenges presented by accusations from other nations, particularly from the US. Moving forward, observers will closely watch how these dynamics continue to evolve and whether cooperation can prevail over growing competition.