China curbs drug precursor exports ahead of Xi’s US visit

China has imposed export restrictions on precursor chemicals used to manufacture drugs, just days before President Xi Jinping visits the United States, according to a statement from Beijing’s commerce ministry. The new rules, effective immediately, apply to two types of substances that will now require applications for export to the United States, Mexico, or Canada.

China is the leading source of precursor chemicals utilized in the production of fentanyl, a powerful opioid at the center of a deadly drug crisis in the U.S. Previous shipments of these substances have strained the relationship between Washington and Beijing, as China has pledged to rigorously combat drug trafficking. Notably, in May, China implemented export controls on another set of drug precursor chemicals following a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi in Beijing.

As Xi prepares to travel to Washington for a high-stakes meeting with Trump, the restrictions are likely to be a focal point of discussion, alongside trade, artificial intelligence, and the ongoing conflict with Iran.