Chinese official reportedly seeking talks with Trump on fentanyl ingredients amid trade war

A Chinese official is reportedly inquiring about what the Trump administration wants China to do about the ingredients used to make fentanyl.

China is the source of much of the fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. A top Chinese official is reportedly asking what the Trump administration wants Beijing to do about the chemicals used to make fentanyl.  (Stock/Fox News)

Beijing could possibly have Wang meet with senior Trump administration officials in a neutral country, the newspaper reported. 

Trump has tried to persuade China, Mexico and Canada to do more to combat the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. 

TRUMP SAYS TARIFFS ARE INCENTIVIZING US INVESTMENT, HURTING CHINA

China is a major producer of fentanyl ingredients. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg via Getty Images and DEA)

"Fentanyl can be the icebreaker for the two countries to start with a more positive tone," Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, told the news outlet. "Both sides are eager to get some negotiations started."

Upon taking office, Trump imposed 20% tariffs on China over its role in the fentanyl epidemic in the U.S., which kills tens of thousands of Americans every year.

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Since then, Trump has increased tariffs on China to 145%, while Beijing has retaliated with 125% tariffs on American goods. 

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chinese-official-reportedly-seeking-accommodation-trump-fentanyl-precursors-trade-war