China moving against fentanyl manufacture amid US pressure

• China announced stricter regulations on two chemicals, 4-piperidone and 1-Boc-4-piperidone, used in fentanyl manufacturing, effective 20 July.
• The decision is viewed by some as a potential step towards resolving a contentious issue in US-China relations, following recent high-level discussions.
• Chinese officials maintain the action was an independent measure aligned with international conventions, asserting that fentanyl is primarily a problem for the United States.
• China has criticised punitive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which cited China's alleged inaction on fentanyl.
• The United States has also intensified its efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking by sanctioning Mexican financial institutions for facilitating payments to Chinese suppliers.

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China to tighten controls on fentanyl-linked chemicals as US steps up pressure