Chinese authorities issued new guidelines for handling criminal cases involving fentanyl-related substances ahead of a planned meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, Reuters reported on September 23.
The guidance provides standards for investigating and prosecuting certain fentanyl-related offenses. Washington has repeatedly pressed Beijing to strengthen controls over chemicals and supply networks linked to synthetic opioids.
The guidelines are an enforcement development, not evidence that the wider U.S.-China dispute over fentanyl has been resolved. The issue remains part of broader trade and security talks.