Impact of a US-China breakthrough on the fentanyl crisis would transcend public health

It would arrest the free fall in bilateral relations and show the world the two powers can still cooperate on transnational issues
But first, both Beijing and Washington must effectively manage their domestic interests and internal politics

Dong Lei

Published: 1:00am, 4 Jul 2023

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing saw discussions on many issues with Chinese leaders. One was the illicit trade in fentanyl, a lab-made opioid, abuse of which has reached crisis levels in the United States. I believe we are likely to see a breakthrough on this soon.

I can see Beijing increasing its cooperation with US government agencies on controlling precursor chemicals being exported from China. This would be a good step towards improving trust between two of the world’s largest economies in addition to helping combat serious healthcare and crime issues.

It would also show the world that guardrails are possible against a dangerous free-fall in US-China relations. When the relationship has reached its lowest point in over half a century, such steps are crucial.

For the world economy to recover quickly and supply chains to function fully and smoothly again after the dreadful pandemic years, people all over the world urgently need to see that possibility to shore up confidence in investment and consumption.

To achieve a breakthrough in the fentanyl issue, an understanding of the societal issues and deep causes that influence policymakers is a prerequisite.

Various interest groups have formed in China since economic reforms started over 40 years ago. An entrenched political elite has a keen interest in maintaining the present political structure and its networks of power.

These interest groups view every US check on China as part of an extraordinary containment policy to hinder China’s rise in the world and threaten the stability of their political system. They are staunch defenders against any perceived foreign threat to their political system. And because US politicians have been increasingly vocal against China in the past few years, their view of the US as a potential existential threat has correspondingly hardened.

These interest groups potentially view the fentanyl crisis as a uniquely American problem. The pharmaceutical industry has enormous influence in the US politics. Over-use of medication is also a problem in the country. Chinese political elites might be of the opinion that the US should deal with its crisis itself.

Another group in China is the private sector that has grown from China’s integration into the world economy. These companies, which have benefited from US-China cooperation in past decades, want to maintain economic growth. They want better relations with the US.

The Chinese leadership must balance these competing interests when making major policy decisions.

However, China needs to pursue goals beyond its own interests to become a new superpower, cement President Xi Jinping’s legacy as a great leader and continue Communist Party rule.

One of Xi’s goals is to form a major-country relationship with the US. This means China becoming a responsible superpower with its own economic might. Helping the US on the fentanyl crisis would not only earn China respect and trust in the US and start a better friendship cycle, but also enhance China’s global image and elevate Xi’s legacy.

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But there are processes that ought to be understood and undertaken by the American leadership as well. The US must be able to manage its internal politics effectively so its diplomatic relations with China are not dominated by election cycles and domestic politics.

For example, the legislative branch of the US government has been getting too involved in international relations. The US Constitution grants some foreign relations powers exclusively to the executive branch, such as the command of the military. The involvement of Congress in foreign policy has been a source of tension between the legislative and executive branches.

The US president has the power to initiate and implement foreign policy through responses to foreign events, proposals for legislation, negotiation of international agreements, and more. Congress should reserve itself to oversight of the executive branch in those aspects, and not supersede it.

Is US sincere in wanting better relations with China? Its actions say not

The actions of some Congress members have worried key decision-makers in Beijing. For example, former speaker of the House of Represenatives Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan inflamed cross-strait tensions. Also, the setting up of a House select committee on China led by China hawk Mike Gallagher has further strained relations between China and the US political establishment.

Indeed, the most recent US unilateral charges against Chinese chemical companies and individuals could have been handled with more cooperation with the Chinese authorities.

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US charges Chinese manufacturers for alleged fentanyl ingredient trafficking in landmark case

Global challenges require global solutions. Leaders from both China and the US must work together to address the transnational issues.

The fentanyl crisis is an example of a challenge that requires sincere cooperation between China and the US. China could introduce a world-class “know your customer” regime to its chemical industry to help combat this crisis. By doing so, China’s government could learn valuable lessons on industrial policy management and implementation, enhancing its own governing capabilities.

In return, US leaders could consider relaxing some tariffs imposed on Chinese products in the Trump era. These tariffs have hurt both US consumers and its economy. By working together, both countries can hopefully improve their relationship for the betterment of the world.

It is time for leaders to look at the bigger picture and act on these global challenges. The future of humanity depends on it.

Dong Lei is a non-practising solicitor in Hong Kong and is the principal at AB Highwood Consultants