WASHINGTON, July 18 (V7N) – U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Wednesday that China will soon impose the death penalty on individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl, signaling progress in drug control negotiations between the two nations.
 
The fentanyl trade has become a significant point of contention in the increasingly tense U.S.-China relationship, alongside economic and security disputes. Washington accuses Beijing of inadequately controlling precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a major cause of opioid overdose deaths in the United States. China denies these accusations, calling them attempts to “blackmail” Beijing.
 
Despite a fragile trade truce reached in Geneva in May, Trump maintained 20% tariffs on Chinese imports linked to the issue since February. Speaking before signing the HALT Fentanyl Act—which increases prison terms for fentanyl-related drug offenses—Trump said, “I believe it’s going to happen soon” that China will hand down the death penalty to fentanyl producers.
 
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that fentanyl is primarily a U.S. problem, criticizing the tariffs for harming bilateral cooperation on drug control. Lin called for mutual respect and dialogue to resolve the issue effectively.
 
China recently added two fentanyl precursors, 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone, to its list of controlled chemicals and reported seizures of over two tons of drugs and arrests of 262 suspects this year. Authorities have also prosecuted more than 1,300 people and arrested over 700 for drug-related money laundering offenses from January to May, reflecting a slight increase compared to the previous year.
 
Trump indicated continued efforts to reduce tensions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping ahead of a potential face-to-face meeting later this year, praising China’s recent cooperation steps while acknowledging ongoing challenges in negotiations.
 
Over the past decade, more than 450,000 Americans have died from synthetic opioid overdoses, with millions more suffering addiction, highlighting the urgent need for international drug control collaboration.
 
News Source: Reuters....
 
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