11 hours ago
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.