China is exploring the possibility of addressing U.S. concerns over fentanyl trafficking in what may serve as a crucial opening move to revive stalled trade negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Trump administration has long criticized Beijing for its perceived inaction on curbing the flow of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid at the center of a nationwide drug crisis. Citing the issue as justification, President Donald Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods in March.
In recent developments, Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong has reportedly sought clarity from Washington on its expectations, signaling a potential willingness to cooperate. Discussions may soon advance to in-person meetings, either in the U.S. or a neutral location, the Journal noted.
Beijing, however, is reportedly seeking gestures of goodwill from Washington, particularly in regard to the steep 145% tariffs levied by the Trump administration. Without signs of "sincerity" from the U.S., progress may remain elusive.
“Fentanyl can be the icebreaker for the two countries to start with a more positive tone,” said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank. “Both sides are eager to get some negotiations started.”
The report emerged shortly after China’s commerce ministry acknowledged it is currently reviewing a U.S. proposal to reopen trade dialogue. “The U.S. has recently taken the initiative on many occasions to convey information to China through relevant parties, saying it hopes to talk with China,” the ministry said.
Since the start of his presidency, Trump has framed China’s role in the fentanyl crisis as a central grievance, using it to justify a range of economic measures. Chinese officials, however, have argued that the issue was being used as a pretext for punitive tariffs.
Beijing’s earlier reluctance to crack down on fentanyl precursors was reportedly tied to the trade dispute. Now, there are indications that China may view cooperation on fentanyl as a goodwill gesture—one conditioned on broader diplomatic progress.
“Beijing sees fentanyl cooperation as a favor to the U.S. that they are willing to offer when there is an understanding in place that both sides seek stability in the relationship,” said Amanda Hsiao, China director at Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy.
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