The tariff shooting between the two largest economies in the world reached a turning point with the recent three -month truce, an desired agreement that, although ephemeral, could alter the rules of the game in the global economy. In the center of this plot is the fentanyl, the psychotropic that has unleashed a public health crisis in the US. And has revived the debate on commercial interdependence between both rivals.
Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security of China, has emerged as an unexpected protagonist in the battle against fentanyl traffic, synthetic opioid that has devastated communities in US territory. Its influence is crucial to stop the flow of this substance and soften tensions between the two powers. The Trump administration has put the reduction of narcotic drugs in its priority list, which has led to a turn in negotiations towards a more effective collaboration. In this complex scenario, Wang fights drug trafficking and stands as a bridge at a time where each decision can redefine the future of these complicated links
The current truce, which implies a 115% reduction in import tariffs, offers temporary relief to Chinese SMEs, which have seriously suffered under the pressure of high tariffs. However, Washington maintains a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, which is broken down in a 10% reference rate and additional 20% related to the problem of fentanyl.
Meanwhile, the Chinese economy, in particular its manufacturing and export sectors, is in a state of vulnerability. The temporal reduction of these taxes could provide a necessary respite, but uncertainty persists. Thus, Wang’s ability to effectively address the problem of fentanyl will influence the fight against this scourge and will be decisive for the continuity of the tariff pause.
However, Wang plays a multifaceted role that transcends the traditional borders of its wallet. In addition to being a state counselor and member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the National Narcotics Control Commission also leads, an agency with broad powers to address the growing crisis in the country. His participation in negotiations with the White House, although unusual for an official of his level, highlights the growing interconnection between security policy and economic relations.
As one of the closest collaborators of Xi Jinping, this strategist has the ability to articulate its position with an unusual authority. His career has been forged in the field of public safety, beginning in Fuzhou and Xiamen, where he acquired experience in countermeasures to combat smuggling. This background gives you a unique perspective in handling delicate issues, such as the production and traffic of controlled substances. However, his rise in the state apparatus is not only due to his technical competence, but to a friendship forged over 17 years with XI, who also has roots in Fujian.
The distrust of the Chinese leader to the vast police apparatus highlights the importance of Wang. In a context marked by the intense purge of senior officials, including three vice ministers of public security, his figure represents a stability in the middle of the storm. His ability to speak in the name of XI allows him to influence security policy and, therefore, diplomacy.
The chemical precursors used in the manufacture of synthetic opioids are mainly produced in China and have become a determining factor in the overdose crisis that affects the United States. These substances, exported as unregulated compounds, are transformed into opioids into clandestine laboratories in Mexico and Canada, before being introduced to the North American market at high prices.
Although Beijing has implemented stricter controls on these chemicals, the results have been limited. The situation is alarming: these synthetic analgesics are responsible for an increasing number of deaths, especially among young people from 18 to 45 years old, which underlines the urgency of addressing this problem from multiple fronts.
A revealing study of the Peterson Institute for International Economics has illuminated the complex repercussions of the embargo imposed by China in 2019 on the export of fentanyl and its precursors. This veto, which resulted in a temporary increase in drug prices in US streets had a significant deterrence effect, contributing to a reduction of up to 25% in deaths related to overdose for a critical period of three to five months.
In May 2019, Beijing implemented a strict drug control policy, adding all substances associated with fentanyl to its controlled list and limiting its export. According to the report, “the Chinese embargo on fentanyl exports to the US. It seems to have affected prices,” suggesting that, if these restrictions have not been established, about a thousand additional Americans could have died.
THE REVANCH OF THE OPIO WAR
There are analysts who suggest that we are witnessing a new version of the opium war, a kind of late revenge by China. In the classrooms of the Communist Party, students are taught that, in past times, China was a glorious superpower, until it was undermined by the cunning British weapon: opium, or Lachryma Papaveris. This drug, which undermined the forces of the nation, caused the Chinese authorities to take drastic measures, which in turn led Britain to fight two wars.
These contests paralyzed the Qing dynasty, and marked the beginning of a “century of humiliations” for the Chinese people, characterized by military defeats, unequal treaties, the Anglo-French looting and the fire of the summer palace, as well as the brutal Japanese occupation and the inhuman experiments of unity 731. This cycle of suffering only concluded with the arrival of Marxism-Leninism in 1949. Today, some commentators argue that history has taken a turn, suggesting that Karma has returned to claim its price, transforming what was once an unequal fight into a new confrontation scenario.
China is not known for its lax approach in drugs; In fact, it is one of the few countries that executes drug traffickers. In addition, he has rejected the initiatives of the United Nations that advocate less punitive drug policies.
However, US officials have pointed out a serious contradiction: while the Asian giant applies draconian policies against this scourge, their attitude towards fentanyl production is surprisingly permissive. Accusations have emerged that the communist regime could deliberately allow these exports, or even encouraging them.
During his first term, Trump said his rival was “sending his garbage and killing our people,” describing the situation as “almost a form of war.” A subcommittee report from the House of Representatives accused the Chinese government of subsidizing the production of fentanyl through tax incentives.