A Chinese narcotics control officer refuted claims Friday that his nation was largely responsible for the U.S.' influx of illicit fentanyl in recent years, according to a report from The New York Times.
The rebuff from Wei Xiaojun, deputy director of the narcotics control bureau at China's Ministry of Public Security, undercuts claims made by American analysts that China's poorly regulated chemicals industry has led the nation to become the primary manufacturer of fentanyl circulating the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Mr. Wei said evidence shared between the U.S. and China does not support this claim, though he acknowledged some drugs used illicitly by Americans do come from China. The official also highlighted recent actions taken by the government to curb the production of fentanyl and its analogues, though the nation itself does not have a problem with fentanyl misuse.
"The Chinese government takes into full account the concerns of the international community, including the United States, and has continued to take legislative measures and actions," said Mr. Wei, according to the Times.
President Donald Trump will travel to China next week to discuss the nation's role in America's illicit fentanyl consumption with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
To read the full report from the Times, click here.
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