Chinese Precursors Fuel Deadly Mexican Cartel Nitazenes Surge US

New synthetic opioids called nitazenes have emerged as an extremely lethal threat in the U.S., with potency up to 43 times greater than fentanyl and resistance to Narcan, posing a critical challenge to emergency responders and public health. These drugs have been infiltrating the U.S. in increasing quantities over the past few years, particularly under President Trump's administration, with some strains being 800 times more potent than morphine and often mixed with heroin or cocaine, resulting in unpredictable toxicity. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to manage rising tensions with China, including a recent visit by a U.S. congressional delegation led by Rep. Adam Smith focused on trade and military communication, marking the first House visit since 2019. Discussions on U.S.-China relations also underscore the complexities of diplomacy and trade deficits, with experts cautioning against actions that may signal submission to China. Additionally, the passing of historian Paul A. Cohen, noted for promoting a China-centered perspective in Western academia, highlights the evolving understanding of China in U.S. scholarly circles. These developments reflect the multifaceted challenges faced by the U.S. in public health, international diplomacy, and cultural scholarship in 2025.