U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has called on the Biden Administration to hold the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accountable for its support of fentanyl production and export to the United States.
Baldwin asked U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to investigate China's role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis, Reuters reported. Baldwin's actions followed a petition filed by families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl calling for tariffs on China. According to their Oct. 17 petition, China refuses to rein in chemical exports of fentanyl precursors. Baldwin's letter to Tai asks for a full investigation into the issue.
In April, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) released a report detailing the results of an investigation into China's role in the fentanyl crisis, which found that the Chinese government not only allows but also subsidizes fentanyl precursor exports. According to the report, the CCP facilitates the manufacturing and export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, which are sent to Mexican cartels and then trafficked into the U.S., resulting in the deaths of an average of more than 200 Americans every day.
“Despite the U.S. government’s best efforts through diplomatic channels, it has become obvious that the PRC will not voluntarily crack down on its fentanyl producers and exports," Baldwin said. "Until the PRC takes serious action to hold its own companies accountable, I urge you to seek redress for the harm inflicted upon American families."
The CCP supports the Chinese fentanyl industry through mechanisms including subsidizing the manufacturing and sale of fentanyl precursors through tax rebates, awarding monetary grants to Chinese firms that "openly" traffic fentanyl precursors, and allowing "the open sale of fentanyl precursors and other illicit materials on the extensively monitored and controlled" Chinese internet, according to the report. The CCP censors content related to domestic drug sales, but does not censor "export-focused narcotics content." The CCP "strategically and economically benefits from the fentanyl crisis," enriching Chinese companies that are engaged in money laundering and other illicit activities while "devastating" Americans.
