US Lifts Sanctions on China's Security Ministry's Forensic Science Institute
Chinese State Urges Civilians to Comply with Fentanyl Cooperation
Overt Operator
November 18, 2023
The United States has taken a step in counternarcotics cooperation with China by removing the Chinese Ministry of Public Security's Institute of Forensic Science (IFS) from its trade sanctions list.
In China, the state has urged Chinese organizations to "strictly comply with the law," in response to the U.S. sanctions lift.
The move comes as President Joe Biden's administration negotiates with China to resume bilateral cooperation and establish a working group aimed at combating the flow of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals into the US, which contribute to the fentanyl crisis.
The decision to remove the IFS from the Commerce Entity List was announced by US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller during a briefing on Thursday. Miller emphasized that the listing had been a barrier to achieving cooperation on stopping precursor chemical trafficking. However, after evaluating the issue and considering China's commitment to reducing trafficking, the US decided it was appropriate to remove the Chinese institute from the sanction list.
Miller acknowledged the tough decisions the Biden administration has to make to secure cooperation with China on fentanyl trafficking. The fentanyl crisis has been a pressing issue, and the US is keen to work with China to address it.
It is worth noting that in 2020, the US Commerce Department added China's Institute of Forensic Science to its entity list due to its alleged engagement in activities contrary to the foreign policy interests of the United States and reported abuses against Uyghurs and other minority groups. This measure effectively prohibited the institute from receiving most goods from US suppliers.
The decision to remove the Chinese institute from the trade sanction list has drawn concerns from human rights advocates. They argue that it raises questions about the US's commitment to addressing China's human rights practices. However, the Biden administration maintains that the decision was primarily focused on counternarcotics cooperation and tackling the fentanyl crisis.
The US-China partnership in counternarcotics efforts is crucial, given the significant impact of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals on both countries. Fentanyl, in particular, has contributed to a devastating crisis in the US, leading to thousands of overdose deaths each year. By working together, the US and China can strengthen law enforcement cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and disrupt the production and distribution networks of illicit drugs.
Moving forward, the Biden administration aims to establish a working group with China to effectively address the fentanyl crisis. This cooperation will involve joint efforts to track and intercept the illicit flow of drugs and precursor chemicals, as well as sharing best practices in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The Biden administration believes that tackling the fentanyl crisis requires collaborative efforts,solidifying the administration' reasons given for removing the entity from sanctions. By working together, the US and China can make significant strides in combating the illicit drug trade and protecting the health and well-being of their citizens.