Handing over a Chinese drug fugitive right before a Trump-Xi summit is no coincidence — it's proof that tying tariffs to fentanyl cooperation is actually working. Beijing is suddenly cracking down on precursor chemical sellers and sharing intelligence because there are real economic consequences for dragging their feet. This is smart leverage, and the results speak for themselves.
The repatriation of suspect Han is a diplomatic gesture, not a structural fix — China still has no formal extradition treaty with the US, meaning this cooperation exists only when Beijing finds it politically convenient. Drug control has advanced solely because it suits China's summit optics, not because of any lasting commitment. Celebrating this as a breakthrough ignores how easily Beijing has cut off cooperation when ties sour.
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0