China's contribution to global drug governance

Editor's note: Zhang Yongan, a special commentator for CGTN, is director of the International Center for Drug Control Policy Studies at Shanghai University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In the face of the worsening global drugs problem, China, as a responsible major power, actively supports and participates in building a global drug control system based on the UN drug control conventions. Moreover, China has proactively institutionalized anti-drug cooperation through bilateral, multilateral and regional mechanisms, contributing its experience, solutions and strength to global drug governance. This reflects China's commitment to its responsibilities and its dedication to the future of humanity. 

China plays a crucial role in global drug governance. Firmly adhering to a drug control path with Chinese characteristics, the country has waged an ongoing war on drugs, implementing a zero-tolerance policy and launching its anti-drug campaign. These efforts have effectively addressed prominent drug-related issues and reduced the risk of resurgence.

China has also bolstered border security and the regulation of drug precursor chemicals, intensified efforts to tackle new drugs and strictly prevented controlled chemicals from entering illicit drug manufacturing channels via international trade. In addition, comprehensive prevention education and the ongoing caring initiative have strengthened support for rehabilitation and reintegration programs. Emphasizing the rule of law and innovation-driven approaches, China has fostered a drug governance framework based on collective participation and shared responsibility.

Over the years, drug abuse in China has steadily declined, and the effectiveness of its drug control measures has become increasingly evident. With its continuously improving situation, China has made significant contributions to global drug governance.

China is a vital architect and staunch supporter of the current global drug control system. The international community first truly recognized drug abuse as a global issue requiring collective action when the Chinese government actively responded and hosted the 1909 International Opium Commission in Shanghai. This marked the beginning of coordinated international efforts to combat drug-related challenges. Since then, China has played a pivotal role in advocating and participating in the development of international drug control conventions.

China is a key supporter and signatory of the three foundational treaties underpinning the global drug control framework: the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (as amended), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances signed in 1988.

As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has actively and comprehensively supported UN-led global drug control efforts. It has been deeply involved in anti-drug initiatives organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), contributing its expertise and resources to the global fight against drugs. 

China is a driving force in institutionalizing bilateral, multilateral and regional drug control cooperation. Recognizing drugs as a global enemy, China places great importance on cooperating with drug-producing, transit and consuming countries. Through economic assistance and training programs for anti-drug officials, China has promoted poppy eradication and crop substitution projects at drug source locations. Additionally, through intelligence sharing and joint law enforcement operations, China has taken strict measures against illegal drug production, trafficking and distribution.

China is also dedicated to enhancing the institutional capacity of the countries, helping them strengthen their resilience and achieve sustainable development. At the regional level, the Chinese government has leveraged platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to institutionalize regional anti-drug cooperation. Together with the member states of these mechanisms, China has made significant contributions to combating the global drug threat and building a drug-free society.

China has been at the forefront of comprehensively regulating fentanyl-related substances and synthetic cannabinoids, setting a precedent for the world. On May 1, 2019, China became the first country to impose class-wide regulation on fentanyl-related substances. On July 1, 2021, China extended this class-wide regulation to synthetic cannabinoids. These measures underscore China's responsible leadership and commitment to shaping the future of drug governance through intelligent regulation. 

By introducing the concept of "class-based control," China applies broad regulatory oversight to entire categories of fentanyl-related and synthetic cannabinoid substances. This approach has enhanced the legal framework for drug control, provided strong legal support for combating and prosecuting new types of drug-related crimes and contributed significantly to the global fight against the illegal production, trafficking and abuse of these substances. 

China is among the most stringent countries in the world in terms of drug classification and precursor chemical regulation. Currently, China controls 509 narcotic and psychotropic substances, including 123 narcotic drugs, 166 psychotropic substances and 220 non-medical narcotic and psychotropic substances, in addition to class-wide regulations on fentanyl-related substances and synthetic cannabinoids.

On September 1, 2024, China further expanded its control by adding seven new substances, including 4-(N-Phenylamino) piperidine, to the Regulations on the Administration of Precursor Chemicals. Moreover, China has revised its Regulations on the Administration of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which took effect on January 20, 2025, further strengthening narcotics control.

China remains steadfast in its anti-drug policies, adhering to a governance model with Chinese characteristics, modernizing its drug control system and enforcement capabilities and contributing its wisdom and solutions to global drug governance and sustainable development. 

On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order linking the U.S. crisis to trade tariffs on China. This misrepresentation of cause and effect disregards facts and fails to address the roots of the crisis.

The U.S. must acknowledge its own domestic issues, identify the root causes and adopt a comprehensive approach to both immediate and structural solutions. A truly effective response to the fentanyl crisis requires strengthening domestic regulation of synthetic opioids, while also enhancing international cooperation with countries like China and Mexico. Leveraging international platforms such as the UNODC, the CND, and the INCB is essential. A rational distribution of global anti-drug responsibilities and obligations is needed to rebuild strategic trust, foster consensus and promote sustained cooperation. Through stable, predictable and close engagement, a viable solution to the fentanyl crisis can be found.

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