President Joe Biden signed a proclamation in August commemorating Overdose Awareness Week, acknowledging the devastating impact of drug overdose in the United States. With over half a million deaths from drug overdose in the last decade, it is an issue that requires urgent attention.
The Biden administration has emphasized counternarcotics cooperation with China as a crucial tool in combating the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the country. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to China to support this cooperation, meeting with top officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sullivan expressed dedication to obtaining Chinese assistance in addressing synthetic opioids.
However, while Sullivan was engaging with Chinese officials, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell was in Vanuatu promising action against growing networks of Chinese drug traffickers. Campbell highlighted concerns about these networks using new shipping lanes throughout the Indo-Pacific to increase fentanyl flow into Latin America and the United States.
The effectiveness of counternarcotics engagements with China remains uncertain. The State Department spokesperson stated that diplomatic efforts had led to positive steps by China, such as scheduling certain chemicals used in synthetic opioid production as controlled substances. However, it is unclear whether these measures will result in a decrease in Chinese drugs flooding into the United States.
Security experts have raised concerns about China’s commitment to enforcing drug trafficking laws. Researchers at an Australian think tank described China’s scheduling of chemicals as a “public-relations stunt” rather than genuine suppression efforts. Leaked documents also suggest that some companies selling fentanyl boasted about their ties to CCP and tax-exempt status.
The scale of the opioid crisis is alarming. In 2023 alone, more than 75,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdose. Law enforcement agencies seized millions of fentanyl pills throughout that year and continue their efforts this year.
Republicans have expressed frustration with the Biden administration’s approach to counternarcotics cooperation with China. They argue that concessions made during negotiations do not lead to tangible reductions in CCP shipments of fentanyl precursors or enforcement actions against those responsible for American deaths.
Democratic lawmakers have been less critical but have not commented on whether they believe counternarcotics efforts are effective.
As discussions continue on how best to address this crisis and hold accountable those responsible for its perpetuation, it remains clear that urgent action is needed at both domestic and international levels.