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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

China ready to fight fentanyl and illegal immigration with US, top police chief says

Public security minister signals willingness to tackle Trump priorities in meeting with American envoy, but US must ‘meet China halfway’

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Fentanyl, the primary driver of US drug overdoses, has been a point of contention in US-China ties, with Washington blaming the fentanyl crisis on China, where many of the drug’s precursor ingredients are produced. Photo: Reuters
Vanessa Caiin Shanghai

China has expressed willingness to work with the United States on anti-drug efforts and the repatriation of illegal immigrants – two priorities for US President Donald Trump – but urged “mutual respect” from Washington.

The remarks were made in a meeting between Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong and US ambassador to China David Perdue in Beijing on Thursday.
Wang said Beijing was willing to work with Washington and hoped the US could “meet China halfway, uphold an attitude of equality, respect each other’s concerns, and contribute positive energy to the development of bilateral relations”, according to state news agency Xinhua.
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“We stand ready to engage in practical collaboration with the US in law enforcement areas such as counter-narcotics and the repatriation of illegal immigrants, striving to achieve outcomes that benefit the people of both countries,” Wang was quoted as saying.

According to Xinhua, Perdue said he was willing to serve as a communicator and promoter of US-China relations and to advance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as drug control law enforcement.

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Last year, Beijing and Washington held several meetings to discuss closer cooperation, and law enforcement agencies on both sides have set up anti-drug hotlines to share information.

Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong (right) greets US ambassador to China David Perdue in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE/Xinhua
Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong (right) greets US ambassador to China David Perdue in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE/Xinhua
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