FBI Director Kash Patel announced in Washington on Monday that the government of China has agreed to work with the United States to restrict the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals used in the production of the synthetic opioid.
After our visit to Beijing, backed by President Trump’s engagement with President Xi, China agreed to crack down on all 13 fentanyl precursors and 7 chemical subsidiaries.
That’s a major blow to traffickers and a major win for American families.
This is what real leadership… pic.twitter.com/A7ma1gnKer
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 13, 2025
Patel returned from meetings in China earlier in the day, marking what he described as the first visit by an FBI director to the country in more than ten years.
“Effective immediately,” Patel said, “essentially President Trump has shut off the pipeline that creates fentanyl, that kills tens of thousands of Americans.”
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He stated that the commitment from Beijing followed direct engagement between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Thanks to President Trump’s direct engagement with President Xi, the government of China committed fully to my engagement there… at a level never seen before,” Patel said.
Patel explained that while U.S. law enforcement agencies have continued operations aimed at stopping drug traffickers, the effort must also target precursor chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
“We must attack fentanyl precursors, the ingredients necessary to make this lethal drug,” he said.
The People’s Republic of China has officially designated and listed all 13 precursors used to make fentanyl.
Under the leadership of President Trump, America, and the world, are safer.
Thanks to the great work of our @FBI @TheJusticeDept and @AGPamBondi – American lives will… pic.twitter.com/hRdzJZl6Zc
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 12, 2025
According to Patel, Chinese officials agreed to take action against all 13 fentanyl precursor chemicals identified by U.S. authorities, as well as seven additional chemicals used in fentanyl production.
Public data cited in recent congressional and agency reports show that a significant share of precursor chemicals seized by the Department of Homeland Security since 2021 originated in China.
A study from the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition reported last year that companies in China produced nearly all illicit fentanyl precursors identified by U.S. investigators.
Patel stated that if China enforces the measures it has agreed to, “we would suffocate the drug-trafficking organizations’ ability to manufacture fentanyl in places like Mexico.”
The United States continues to report high numbers of fentanyl-related deaths nationwide.
Federal data indicate that synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are a leading cause of overdose fatalities, with public health agencies noting increases in fentanyl-linked deaths in recent years.
Patel also described the steps China agreed to take as part of a broader effort involving multiple U.S. agencies.
He emphasized that the restriction of precursor chemical flows would complement ongoing enforcement operations targeting drug smuggling routes and distribution networks.
U.S. officials have not released the full details of the commitments made by China or the implementation mechanisms expected to be used.
Patel did not outline a specific enforcement timeline but said follow-up engagements between U.S. and Chinese officials would continue.
The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security have ongoing investigations into fentanyl trafficking networks, including those operating in Mexico and South America.
Federal authorities have previously linked precursor chemical supply chains to manufacturers abroad, with distribution networks connected to cartels and international criminal organizations.
FBI Director Kash Patel on trip to China and fentanyl precursors: “President Trump has shut off the pipeline that creates fentanyl that kills tens of thousands of Americans. These substances are now banned.” pic.twitter.com/ExkB20UXXy
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 12, 2025
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