China, top fentanyl source, blames US for 'drug culture' as Americans die from overdoses
Chinese report blames US overdose epidemic on nation's 'drug culture,' refusing to acknowledge trafficking networks moving fentanyl out of China
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The People's Republic of China released a report Thursday highlighting drug use in the United States, despite the fact that the majority of deadly fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. comes from China.
The Chinese report rejected accusations from U.S. officials and law enforcement that the communist nation is supplying the trade, and instead sought to blame Americans.
The report, titled "Drug Abuse in the United States," details the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' (MFA) assessment of cultural and governmental factors driving fatal the narcotics epidemic across the U.S.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FENTANYL OVERDOSES BECOME NO. 1 CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG US ADULTS, AGES 18-45: 'A NATIONAL EMERGENCY'
Fentanyl seized in Nogales, Arizona. Border agents and officers seized more than 1,900 pounds of the illicit drug in October. (CBP)
"For years, the U.S. federal and state governments have vowed to vigorously tackle the drug problem, but have in fact failed to take substantive measures due to lobbying by various interest groups," China's MFA said. "Drug abuse in the United States is a reflection of deep-rooted social problems, and the result of an interplay of economic interests, lobbying, and social and cultural factors."
The report places extensive blame for the ongoing overdose epidemic on American "drug culture." In particular, the report points to U.S. acceptance of marijuana as a driving force in the drug crisis.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}GOP JEERS BIDEN AS HE CALLS FOR FENTANYL SOLUTION: 'IT'S YOUR FAULT' THE BORDER ISN'T CLOSED
President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct. 16, 2022. (Reuters/Thomas Peter)
"As the U.S. economy expanded after World War II, the rapid growth in national wealth created an unprecedentedly prosperous consumer market, including an active drug trade," the MFA wrote.
It continues, "By the 1960s, the nationwide hippie movement and the hippie culture it generated were ubiquitous in the United States, a part of which was ‘drug culture.’ Under the influence of 'drug culture,' drugs such as cannabis and heroin quickly became popular among young people."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The seal of the Drug Enforcement Administration is seen on a lectern before the start of a press conference at DEA headquarters on June 26, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, China continues to be the primary source of fentanyl being imported into the United States, killing more than 100 Americans every day. It also continues to be the primary source of fentanyl for the rest of the world.
"Currently, China remains the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked through international mail and express consignment operations environment, as well as the main source for all fentanyl-related substances trafficked into the United States," a 2020 DEA report asserts.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Texas authorities investigate a suspected fentanyl lab, Jan 30, 2023. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
Two techniques are used to deliver the drug to the U.S. It is either shipped to the U.S. directly via international mail or shipped via Mexico. In some cases, Chinese sellers label these deadly drug shipments with Spanish-language advertisements to help clear customs. U.S. lawmakers say the crime syndicates in China operate with the knowledge of the Communist Party.
The Thursday report from China rebuked attempts to blame China for the rise of fentanyl deaths in the U.S., stating that government officials should take responsibility for their "ineffective response."
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"The fight against drugs requires, first and foremost, one's own efforts. At the same time, it also needs cooperation among all countries. The United States should stop making unwarranted accusations against China and undermining China-U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation," the MFA wrote. "Even less should it mislead the public and shift its responsibility for ineffective response to drug abuse at home onto others."
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Liz Friden contributed to this report.