China Adds Drug Precursors to Export Controls Before Xi-Trump Meeting

China has tightened export controls on two chemicals used as drug precursors, requiring exporters to obtain permits for shipments to the United States, Mexico and Canada. The move comes shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned US visit and meeting with Donald Trump. Washington has repeatedly pressed Beijing to strengthen controls on chemicals linked to fentanyl production. The new restrictions add another issue to wider US-China negotiations involving trade, supply chains and technology, while Taiwan and regional security remain sensitive areas in bilateral relations.

China Export Controls Tighten Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit as Taiwan and Trade Concerns Grow

China has put two drug precursor chemicals on its export-control list, requiring permits for shipments to the United States, Mexico and Canada ahead of Xi Jinping’s meeting with Donald Trump.

China on Tuesday strengthened export controls by adding two chemicals used as drug precursors to a controlled list for exports to North America.

The move comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to make a state visit to the United States September 23-25 and meet President Donald Trump on September 24.

China’s commerce ministry said exporters will need permits to ship the newly controlled chemicals to the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The move follows repeated demands from the Trump administration for Beijing to rein in precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, the synthetic opioid behind a major U.S. public-health crisis.

The timing puts the export controls within the framework of wider negotiations covering trade, supply chains, technology, Taiwan and other sensitive areas of US-China relations.

China export controls add pressure before Washington summit

The latest restrictions follow earlier Chinese actions targeting precursor chemicals, including a May decision to add three substances to a controlled list of North American exports.

The Trump administration has been pressing for stronger Chinese action against chemical suppliers linked to fentanyl production, making precursor controls a central element of law enforcement talks between the two countries.

The move follows repeated demands from the Trump administration for Beijing to rein in precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, the synthetic opioid behind a major U.S. public-health crisis.

The timing puts the export controls within the framework of wider negotiations covering trade, supply chains, technology, Taiwan and other sensitive areas of US-China relations.

The latest restrictions follow earlier Chinese actions targeting precursor chemicals, including a May decision to add three substances to a controlled list of North American exports.

The Trump administration has been pressing for stronger Chinese action against chemical suppliers linked to fentanyl production, making precursor controls a central element of law enforcement talks between the two countries.

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Taiwan and trade remain central to allied concerns

The United States, Japan and South Korea also reiterated their commitment to regional security, including maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

It reasserted Washington’s defence commitments to Japan and the Republic of Korea, including extended deterrence supported by US military capabilities.

They also reiterated their commitment to the full denuclearisation of North Korea and supported meaningful participation by Taiwan in appropriate international organisations.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the statement, saying renewed international support for stability across the Taiwan Strait reflected a broad consensus on upholding regional security.

Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains its own democratic political system, but China claims Taiwan as its territory.

Analysts quoted by Reuters also said that Japan and South Korea will be closely watching for trade agreements that could change their competitiveness relative to Chinese companies.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York Tuesday.

Both leaders also want to meet Trump during the UN gathering, Reuters cited officials as saying.

South Korea weighs investment risks as summit approaches

South Korea’s economic worries aren’t just about China, as Seoul is working through the details of a $350 billion investment package related to its trade deal with Washington.

The package includes big proposed investments in US manufacturing and energy, but South Korean lawmakers have questions about the financial risks.

An opposition lawmaker on Monday called for parliamentary scrutiny of the package, arguing that talks on energy projects could leave South Korea disproportionately financially exposed.

Talks in recent times have centred around projects concerning power generation, nuclear technology and liquefied natural gas, although a number of details remain to be agreed.

The developments underscore for Sprouts News that the Trump-Xi summit is about more than bilateral trade, and touches on broader issues of Asian security and supply-chain resilience.

Attention now immediately shifts to Xi’s visit to Washington, where trade, controls on fentanyl precursors, Taiwan and wider economic ties will be closely watched.

Any agreements announced at the summit could affect commercial relations between the US and China, as well as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan’s perception of Washington’s commitments in the region.