SHANGHAI: During his visit to Shanghai, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Chinese companies of aggravating the drug addiction crisis in the United States, specifically referencing the production and distribution of deadly fentanyl. Schumer’s remarks came as part of his efforts to engage in talks aimed at easing tensions between the United States and China.
Schumer, who met with Chen Jining, the chief official of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai, emphasized that the US does not wish to decouple its economies from China. However, he voiced concerns about Chinese companies’ involvement in the fentanyl crisis, stating, “They are fueling the fentanyl crisis that is poisoning communities across the United States.”
This week, Washington imposed sanctions on a China-based network responsible for producing and distributing chemicals used in the production of drugs, including fentanyl. Beijing has expressed its opposition to these sanctions, asserting that the opioid problem primarily originates in the United States.
Schumer also indicated his intent to address Beijing’s alleged unfair trade practices during his visit. He stressed the need for reciprocity, allowing American companies to compete as freely in China as Chinese companies do in the United States.
Strained Relations Between US and China
The delegation accompanying Schumer includes Republican Senator Mike Crapo, representing Idaho, home to the chip giant Micron, currently caught up in US-China disputes over semiconductors. Four other senators are also part of the delegation.
Schumer’s visit to China is part of a series of high-level visits between US and Chinese officials this year. The discussions aim to defuse tensions across various security and economic issues, with both sides working toward stabilizing relations. While there is speculation about a possible meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, no official confirmation has been made yet.
