China to tighten controls on fentanyl-linked chemicals as US steps up pressure
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China moving against fentanyl manufacture amid US pressure
- China announced stricter regulations on two chemicals, 4-piperidone and 1-Boc-4-piperidone, used in fentanyl manufacturing, effective 20 July.
- The decision is viewed by some as a potential step towards resolving a contentious issue in US-China relations, following recent high-level discussions.
- Chinese officials maintain the action was an independent measure aligned with international conventions, asserting that fentanyl is primarily a problem for the United States.
- China has criticised punitive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which cited China's alleged inaction on fentanyl.
- The United States has also intensified its efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking by sanctioning Mexican financial institutions for facilitating payments to Chinese suppliers.