Will Biden, Xi's secret deal to end 'Fentanyl crisis' save America?

Washington: In a surprising turn of events, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to seal a groundbreaking deal during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The focus? A comprehensive crackdown on the deadly opioid, fentanyl, responsible for millions of American deaths. As tensions between the two nations reach a boiling point, this unexpected collaboration could reshape geopolitics and potentially impact the outcome of the 2024 Presidential elections.

The high-stakes summit: Quest for stability

The APEC summit presents a critical opportunity for Biden and Xi to stabilize their nations' strained relations, which have hit their lowest point in four decades. At the heart of this high-stakes summit is the urgent need to address the supply chain of chemicals contributing to the fentanyl crisis.

Cracking down or crumbling under pressure?

China has previously attempted to curb the manufacture and export of fentanyl, only to face increased scrutiny from the US. Sanctions imposed on Chinese entities, allegedly linked to the drug trade, have further strained relations. Can this new agreement break the cycle of distrust and genuinely address the root causes of the opioid epidemic?

The Fentanyl menace: A deadly epidemic

Fentanyl, an opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, has become a leading cause of fatal overdoses in the US. The Biden administration aims to disrupt the supply chain, focusing on curtailing the flow of precursor chemicals from China to Mexico, where drug cartels produce the lethal drug.

Geopolitical Chess or Genuine Cooperation?

While the geopolitical competition between the US and China intensifies, experts remain skeptical about the possibility of genuine cooperation in curbing fentanyl. Will millions of overdose deaths serve as a wake-up call for these global superpowers to set aside their differences?

The road ahead

Addressing the opioid crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including demand reduction programs and international collaboration. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Executive Director of the Society for Promotion of Youth & Masses, warns that merely controlling the supply won't be enough. As the US grapples with this complex issue, India, too, receives a cautionary note regarding the rise of methamphetamine.