Washington, DC [US]: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Wednesday that China might be “intentionally” flooding the United States with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, drawing a parallel to the Opium Wars of the 19th century, according to a report from Radio Free Asia (RFA).
Fentanyl Crisis and US Concerns
US officials attribute the ongoing fentanyl crisis to Mexican drug cartels that source fentanyl precursors from China before smuggling the drug into the United States. Tens of thousands of Americans die from fentanyl overdoses annually, devastating communities across the country, as reported by RFA.
Rubio asserted that China could stop the flow of these precursor chemicals immediately but has chosen not to.
“They could put an end to it if they wished. It raises the question in some cases, is this a purposeful act, like are they inundating us with fentanyl?” Rubio stated, referencing the Opium Wars that saw China struggling with widespread opium addiction.
Historical Parallel to the Opium Wars
The Opium Wars, fought between China and British forces from 1839-1842 and 1856-1860, resulted in significant social destabilization in China due to rampant opium addiction. The wars led to China’s defeat and forced the legalization of opium, along with the cession of Hong Kong to Britain under “unequal treaties.”
Chinese officials at the time blamed opium for eroding social stability, much like US officials today associate fentanyl with rising crime and public health crises. According to RFA, the memory of these wars still influences Beijing’s worldview today.
US Trade Actions Against China
In response to Beijing’s perceived inaction, US President Donald Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. On Thursday, he warned that this tariff would increase by another 10% on March 4 if China fails to take stronger action against fentanyl precursor exports.
As tensions escalate, the US government continues to press China for stronger measures to curb the fentanyl crisis, while Beijing has denied any wrongdoing in the matter.