LIVE UPDATES
Officials of US and China are set to convene in Beijing on Tuesday for their first discussions in years aimed at curbing the production of fentanyl, announced senior Biden administration officials.
The meeting of the counternarcotics working group follows Chinese President Xi Jinping's commitment during a summit with US President Joe Biden in November to crackdown on the illicit trade.
"Years of suspended bilateral cooperation between the United States and the People's Republic of China on counternarcotics have impeded our progress," stated a US official.
"But that dynamic shifted during the November 15 meeting," the official informed reporters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The talks mark a pivotal moment in the efforts to address the production and distribution of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a significant portion of overdose deaths in the United States.
The Biden administration has made combating the opioid crisis a priority, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to stem the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, into the country.
China's commitment to tightening controls on fentanyl production and distribution signals a potential breakthrough in addressing the global opioid epidemic.
However, challenges remain, as both nations navigate complex issues related to enforcement, regulation, and cooperation in countering illicit drug trafficking.
The outcome of the talks could have far-reaching implications for efforts to combat drug abuse and addiction, not only in the United States and China but also across the international community.
As officials gather in Beijing, the world watches closely, hopeful for meaningful progress in the shared fight against the devastating impact of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.
